Serena Williams has pulled out of the Wuhan Open and the China Open due to an ongoing right shoulder injury.

Williams was visibly struggling with the joint in her third-round loss to Elina Svitolina at Rio 2016 and withdrew from the Western and Southern Open in August.

The 34-year-old had her 186-week reign as world number one ended with defeat to Karolina Pliskova in the US Open semi-finals, subsequently revealing she was suffering from a knee injury.

However, it is shoulder issues once again that will keep Williams from competing in Wuhan and October's competition in Beijing.

"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," Williams said in a statement on the WTA website.

"I have been practicing and playing but my shoulder is still not fit for tournament play.

"I wish the tournaments great success and I'm sure the fans will enjoy some great tennis. I am focused on getting ready to compete at the WTA Finals in Singapore."