But it 's the first time she 's playing in IPTL without the No. 1 ranking .
For the second straight year , Williams arrives at the IPTL after a disappointing loss in the semifinals of the U.S. Open .
IPTL 's the first time Williams 's playing in IPTL without the No. 1 ranking .
For the second straight year , Williams arrives at the IPTL after a disappointing loss in the semifinals of the U.S. Open .