Aussie Open on Williams’ radar

Melbourne – Serena Williams (above) will make her return to the Australian Open for the first time since winning in 2017.

Virtually all the world’s top100 players are due at Melbourne Park, also including injury-prone Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

Williams reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals this year, but suffered upset losses in both.

Organisers said she was among the entries for the opening Grand Slam of the year, starting on Monday, January 14, as she attempts to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 major wins.

Her appearance will mark her first major since her controversial rant at an umpire in the US Open final loss to Naomi Osaka.

In the aftermath, Roger Federer said Williams “went too far”.

“Serena Williams, currently ranked 16, will make her highly anticipated return to Melbourne for the first time since winning in 2017 when eight-weeks pregnant with baby Alexis Olympia,” said tournament organiser Craig Tiley.

Evergreen Federer will be back to defend his title, along with long-time adversary Novak Djokovic. Caroline Wozniacki defends the women’s crown.

“It’s always special to see our defending champions – Caroline had her first Grand Slam win here last year so will be keen to start 2019 on a high,” said Tiley.

“And of course Roger Federer has special memories of Melbourne, having won here six times, something only Novak and Roy Emerson have done in the past.

“... Rafa and he’s back to full fitness after cutting his season short after Paris,” he added. –