Baseline Awards: The most impactful absence

After capturing her 23rd career Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, it appeared that once again, Serena Williams was ready to extend her dominance throughout the year.

Instead, the tournament marked her last appearance on the WTA Tour for the rest of the season. And with her gone, titles and ranking spots were up for grabs like never before.

Angelique Kerber, who started the year at No. 1, lost her tenuous hold on the top spot to Williams, but regained it a few months later due to Williams’ absence. However, she soon ceded it to Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.

By the time the US Open came around, eight players had a shot of leaving New York with the No. 1 ranking. Garbine Muguruza, who won two titles during the year, including her second major at Wimbledon, rose to the top spot after the Open, which would be won by wildcard Sloane Stephens.

At the end of the year, it was Simona Halep at the top of the rankings, despite not winning a major as she lost her lone opportunity in the French Open final to the unseeded Jelena Ostapenko.

It was hard to find a clear-cut favorite at any event over the year as no one player filled the void left by Williams’ absence.

As for Williams, she managed to keep busy.

The plan is to return at some point next year, but she’ll be coming to a changed landscape where players who’ve had some success won’t be so willing to relinquish their places in the game.

Another unpredictable season could lie ahead.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias

Watch Serena Williams' first match back at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, live on Tennis Channel PLUS.

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