ISTANBUL — With the year-end top ranking out of reach, Serena Williams will settle for the title at the WTA Championships.

In her first match since winning the U.S. Open in September, Williams defeated Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-1 Tuesday to start round-robin play in the season-ending event featuring the top eight players in the world.

“Obviously, I would rather win majors. I’ve been No. 1 and I would love to be No. 1 again. I think maybe one day I will. We’ll see,” Williams said. “I just feel if I keep winning tournaments, majors, tournaments like this, and playing well and consistently, the ranking will come.”