Serena puts foot to the test

New York - Serena Williams is back practicing after foot surgery that kept her out of the US Open.

The world's top-ranked women's player said on Monday that she hasn't decided when she'll return to competition, but she still plans to play for the United States in the Fed Cup final against Italy in November.

Williams cut her right foot on broken glass at a restaurant after winning Wimbledon.

She was moving comfortably in tall black boots on Monday.

"I'm obviously out of the (walking) boot, so I'm in a different boot, not that hideous boot," Williams said.

She said she doesn't need to do anything special to protect the foot on the court other than a little extra tape.

Williams joined retired NBA centre Alonzo Mourning, Mets third baseman David Wright, Olympic softball gold medalist Jessica Mendoza and UFC champion Georges St. Pierre on Monday at a news conference announcing the launch of a charitable foundation connected to Mission Skincare. Williams is part of the group of sports stars that founded the line of sunscreens and other products for athletes.

The foundation will fund research on skin diseases in sports and award scholarships to young athletes involved in community service.