Serena Williams has been given a special wildcard berth into the WTA/ATP Cincinnati tournament on Thursday, just two days after suffering an embarrassing loss in the Rio Olympics. The 34-year-old American and defending gold medallist was upset in straight sets by world number 20 Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-3 in the third round on Tuesday.
Williams and her sister, Venus, were earlier knocked out of the doubles draw, the first time the pair had lost together in Olympic competition.
Serena complained of shoulder problems during her match with Svitolina but there was no mention of the injury in a news release on Thursday.
"We are thrilled Serena is returning to defend her titles," organisers said of the two-time Cincinnati tournament champion.