TIGER’S GOT SERENA UP FOR BATTLE

SERENA WILLIAMS revealed she has been inspired by Tiger Woods’ long journey back from injury to compete for major honours again.

The 36-year-old is on the brink of a historic first Grand Slam title since giving birth – and insists she is only getting started in her comeback.

Williams is chasing a recordequalling 24th Major in today’s US Open final against rising star Naomi Osaka at Flushing Meadows.

The showdown comes six months to the day after she made her tennis comeback following a near-death experience while giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia.

And as Williams (above celebrating her semi-final win over Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova) reflected on her return, she pointed to Woods who is challenging for honours, a decade after his last big win following injury problems.

The golf legend is also in action at the BMW Championship in Pennsylvania (below) and Williams said: “He’s been coming back from all his back issues. It’s been a disaster but, boy, he never gave up. It’s inspiring, actually.

“I don’t think a lot of people really know how bad it was. It definitely makes me realise that if he can do his best then I can too.

“I got a little emotional [after the semi] because last year I was literally fighting for my life in the hospital. I was on my third surgery with one more still to go.

“To come from that, in the hospital bed, not being able to move and walk and do anything, to this. This is the beginning. I just feel like there’s a lot of growth still in my game.

“That’s the most exciting part – even though I’m not a spring chicken, I still have a very, very bright future.”