The American world number two has been sidelined since the US Open, where she made the semi-finals despite a knee injury.
Serena Williams withdraws from WTA Finals
Serena Williams has withdrawn from the WTA Finals due to persistent shoulder injuries.
Williams, 35, announced she intended to once more skip the season-ending event in Singapore.
"I'm really, really bummed that I won't be able to come compete this year," Williams said via WTA.
"It's been a really tough year for me, just dealing so much with these shoulder injuries.
"My doctors insisted I stay home and heal it every single day, doing different treatments every day so I can have chance of playing next year and hopefully make Singapore. That will be my biggest goal. I have so much fun there. I only have wonderful memories playing in Singapore.
"I will really miss my fans most of all. Also just the atmosphere of being there. I do want to wish everyone a great time. I know it will be an amazing tournament, it always is. I really hope and look forward to seeing everyone next year."
The 22-time grand-slam champion also missed the WTA Finals last year, when her campaign came to an end after the US Open.
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