No special rank for Serena at French Open

PARIS Serena Williams’ return to Grand Slam tennis from maternity leave just got even tougher.

French Open organizers announced on Monday they will not give Williams a seeding.

“This year again, tournament officials will establish the list and ranking of the women’s seeds based on the WTA ranking,” the French Tennis Federation said. “Consequently, (the seeds) will reflect this week’s world ranking.”

Williams, a three-time French Open champion, could have received a WTA protected or “special” ranking; it’s up to Grand Slam organizers to give her a seed.

While she was No. 1 when she left the tour to give birth, Williams is currently ranked No. 453.

Without a seeding, the 23-time Grand Slam champion risks facing highly ranked players in the early rounds.

Several of Williams’ biggest rivals believe she deserves a seeding.

“I would like to see that (rule) change,” Maria Sharapova said.

“(Pregnancy) is such an incredible effort for a woman to come back from physically, emotionally,” added Sharapova, who has lost three Grand Slam finals to Williams.

“In my opinion it’s good to protect the ranking when someone is giving birth,” top-ranked Simona Halep said.

The French Open draw will be made on Thursday, with the tournament starting on Sunday.

In other tennis news, Canada’s Milos Raonic, the 2016 Wimbledon runner-up, has withdrawn from the French Open. Raonic lost his rank as the top Canadian in the ATP, as Denis Shapovalov eclipsed him this week. Shapovalov, 19, moved up three spots to sit at No. 26, while Raonic dropped six spots to 28th.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal downed Alex Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 Sunday to win a record-extending eighth Italian Open title.

Elina Svitolina defended the women’s title, facing little resistance from top-ranked Halep in a 6-0, 6-4 win.