Australian Open officials confident Serena Williams will line up to defend her crown

AUSTRALIAN Open tournament director Craig Tiley remains confident Serena Williams will defend her Melbourne Park crown despite lingering uncertainty over the American’s plans.

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.

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“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 it’s just her assessing whether she’s ready to play. She wants to win the Australian Open, to beat the record, she’s just focused on grand slam titles.

“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. That’ll be her own decision.”

Australian Open officials are confident Serena Williams will be back to defend her crown at Melbourne Park. Picture: AP Photo

Tiley said dual Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka would soon know if she is able to play in Melbourne.

The Belarusian is locked in an ugly custody battle with her former partner and is not allowed to take her infant son out of Californian for legal reasons.

Azarenka has not competed since Wimbledon but has been offered a wildcard to play at the Open.

Tiley remains optimistic five-time finalist Andy Murray can overcome a hip complaint before the January 15-28 grand slam starts.

“It’s a day by day thing with him. He’s going to stay in Brisbane and keep training,” Tiley said. “If it goes well, he’ll come down to Melbourne. I do expect to see him in Melbourne at the weekend.”

Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley. Picture: AAP

Kooyong Classic officials have offered Murray at match next week.

Tiley is also upbeat about the Open fitness of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

“Some of these guys are in the air, heading down here as we speak,” he said. “Novak has signed to play the Tie Break Tens and he’s also got some specific practice matches lined up.

“He’s already got every hour of the day planned from when he arrives until the start of the Open. So he’ll be ready. The same with Rafa, he’ll will be ready.”

Kei Nishikori has withdrawn from the Open with a wrist complaint.

Originally published as Australian Open officials confident Serena Williams will line up to defend her crown