Tiley expects Serena to play
AUSTRALIAN Open tournament director Craig Tiley remains confident Serena Williams will defend her Melbourne Park crown despite lingering uncertainty over the American’s plans.
Williams, 36, last week lost an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi, her first competitive outing in almost a year, after having a daughter in September.
Tiley said the former world No.1 was determined to chase a record-equalling 24th major at Melbourne Park, but was continuing to assess form and fitness. “I’m in touch every day with her and her management team and she wants desperately to be here,” Tiley said.
“I still believe she will be (here). She has made it very clear to me that this is her favourite event and that’s why she will do everything she possibly can to be here.
“Her whole life revolves around getting ready for the Australian Open right now. I’m pretty confident in my communications that she wants to be here — and when Serena wants something, she normally gets it.
“I think if she felt she was healthy enough to compete, to play seven tough, two out of three set matches over the course of two weeks, she’ll be here.”
Tiley said dual Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka would soon know if she was able to play in Melbourne.
The Belarussian is locked in an ugly custody battle with her former partner and is not allowed to take her infant son out of California for legal reasons.
QUEENSLAND talent Lizette Cabrera has been handed the final wildcard entry into the Australian Open main draw.
The 20-year-old, who was born and raised in Townsville but is now based in Brisbane, finished last season strongly with quarter-final appearances in the WTA tournaments in Taipei and Hong Kong and is ranked No.152 in the world.
She joins fellow Australians Desanee Aiava, Jaimee Fourlis, Olivia Rogowska and internationals Azarenka, Wang Zinuyu, Jessika Ponchet and Kristie Ahn in the wildcard ranks.