Former world No 1 Serena Williams will not be seeded at this year’s French Open having seen her world ranking tumble to No 453 after childbirth.

Serena, a three-time champion at Roland Garros, discovered she was pregnant after winning the 2017 Australian Open and following her return from maternity leave in March, the American suffered early defeats in Indian Wells and Miami.

The 36-year-old former Champion subsequently withdrew from Madrid and Rome clay court.

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, who gave birth to daughter Alexis last September, can compete at Roland Garros under the WTA’s special ranking rule, which allows players returning from a long spells out to use their ranking at the start of their absence.

The French Open starts on May 27.