Kerber crashes out in China

Nineteenth-ranked Svitolina took just two sets to beat newly crowned number one Kerber – who ascended to the top spot at the US Open, the same week she also claimed her second Grand Slam crown – with a 6-3, 7-5 win.

“I know that I have to move very well when I play my game, and I couldn’t play my game like I play,” Kerber told reporters after the match.

The German still plans to play in Hong Kong next week as she chases points to end the year at number one – but her right leg may alter her plans.

Agnieszka Radwanska secured her second consecutive win over former number one Caroline Wozniacki to reach the China Open quarter-finals.

Wozniacki went on to bag the title in the Japanese capital, but Radwanska ended her seven-match winning streak at last week’s Wuhan Open by ousting the Dane in the round of 16.