Long season takes its toll on Asia swing

After the final Gland Slam of the year in Flushing Meadows, there is a migration to Asia as part of the WTA's Asian swing, but the tight end of season schedule may be a bridge too far for some players.

The lineup for the last tournaments of the year has been hit by withdrawals as the players zip across the continent, between Japan, China and Singapore with barely a break.

Maria Sharapova retired from Wuhan and withdrew from the China Open with an injury, leaving a question mark over whether she will make it to the WTA Final in Singapore, while world No 1 Serena Williams announced an early close to her season.