In shock news this morning, Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the WTA Finals with a shoulder injury.

The former world number one who came into Shenzhen on a 10 match winning streak extended her run to 11 matches but has had to withdraw from the event.

Naomi said she injured her shoulder during the Beijing final not long ago against Ash Barty and since then hasn’t practiced her serve. It flared up again following her win over Petra Kvitova in her first round robin match and has been forced to withdraw from the event ending her season earlier than anticipated.

Many including myself had Naomi down as someone to contend for the title with the Red Group opening up now.

Kiki Bertens who missed out on qualification and was runner-up in Zhuhai at the Elite Trophy just last week will come in on a couple of hours notice as an alternate and will play Ash Barty today.