Chasing pack closing on Serena, says Navratilova

Serena Williams. AP

Serena Williams remains the “queen” of women’s tennis but don’t be surprised if she’s no longer number one by the end of the year, Martina Navratilova said Thursday.

Speaking in Singapore to promote this year’s WTA Finals, the 59-year-old Czech said she was pleased to see stronger competition in the women’s game.

“Right now there is competition but not quite rivalry yet. But certainly, a lot of players are stepping on Serena’s heels for the year,” Navratilova said.

“It’s not a foregone conclusion. The last couple of years by now, we pretty much knew Serena would end up world number one at the end of the year but this year it’s up in the air.

“It’s going to be difficult for her to keep that cushion but at the same time, she’s still the queen.”

Williams has not won a tournament since her triumph at Cincinnati in August.