Osaka out of WTA Finals because of injured right shoulder

SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the WTA Finals because of a right shoulder injury ahead of her scheduled round-robin match against top-ranked Ash Barty.

Alternate Kiki Bertens will take Osaka’s place against Barty later Tuesday.

“I’m disappointed to have to withdraw from the finals,” Osaka said in a statement. “This is not how I wanted to end this tournament or my season (but I look forward to getting healthy and hope to be back here next year.”

The two-time Grand Slam title winner opened with a 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-4 win over Petra Kvitova in the Red Group.

Barty opened the round-robin stage with a 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 win over Belinda Bencic.

As an alternate, Bertens is eligible to advance to the semifinals, which is determined by match wins.