Serena Williams has withdrawn from the upcoming WTA Tours events in Wuhan and Beijing because of a persistent shoulder injury, the world number two announced on Friday.

The 22-time grand slam winner will be missing the two biggest tournaments in Asia but said she hopes to return to action in next month's WTA Finals in Singapore.

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"I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open or the China Open due to continuing issues with my right shoulder," the 34-year-old athlete said in a statement posted on WTA's website Friday.

"I have been practicing and playing but my shoulder is still not fit for tournament play. I am focused on getting ready to compete at the WTA Finals in Singapore."

Williams has been experiencing a series of injuries and illness this year, participating only in eight tournaments, the fewest she had over the last five years.

In an interview with the CNN, Williams, who won two titles in Rome and at Wimbledon, this year, said: "I'm tired of playing tournaments unhealthy and taking losses that I would never lose."

"I definitely want to make sure I'm healthy and playing at my best or at least 80% healthy or 70% healthy - that way I can be able to play at a higher level," she added.

The WTA Finals will take place between October 23 and 30, giving Williams less than a month to prepare for the event. However, Sky Sports reported that even if she participates, it is unlikely that she will be able to grab back the top spot in the rankings from Angelique Kerber before the year ends.

TagsSerena Williamns, WTA tours, tennis, wuhan open, Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open, China Open