Share

Serena 'feeling great' for Australian Open

Melbourne - Serena Williams insists she is fit and ready for a tilt at a seventh Australian Open title, downplaying a knee injury that forced her out of the Hopman Cup.

The world No 1 retired due to soreness in her left knee during a singles match on January 6 at the mixed-team tournament in Perth, casting doubt over her ability to defend her title at the opening Grand Slam of the season.

But the 34-year-old told the Melbourne Herald Sun she was "ready for it".

"My body is feeling great now," she said.

"Obviously I had a hiccup but right now it is doing much better. I've had a few days of training so it's looking good."

The 34-year-old, who battled knee problems in the latter half of 2015 and has barely played since October, trained at Melbourne Park on Monday.

"I know what I need to do on and off the court to win big tournaments," she added to the newspaper late Monday.

"That is what I like to do."

At the time of her retirement in Perth, Williams said: "I just have some inflammation that's been going away very slowly.

"It's still there, it's going away, but just needs a little more time. A little rest, a little treatment."

Melbourne Park has been a happy hunting ground for the American 21-time major winner.

She won the Australian Open for the first time way back in 2003, and made it title number six last year when she toppled arch-rival Maria Sharapova in the final.

Williams owned women's tennis in 2015, winning three Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon) and triumphing in 53 of the 56 matches she played.

She was on track for a rare calendar-year Grand Slam until she was beaten by Italian Roberta Vinci in the US Open semi-final in early September, before bringing an early halt to a season that took a heavy physical toll.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE