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Serena Williams to make her return to the court in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Australian Open

JUST four months after giving birth to a daughter, Serena Williams will return to the court next week, with one eye firmly on the Australian Open in January.

Serena Williams is set to return to the court just four months after the birth of her daughter. Picture: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP
Serena Williams is set to return to the court just four months after the birth of her daughter. Picture: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP

SERENA Williams will make her playing comeback following the birth of her daughter at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Williams has not played since winning the Australian Open in January, while she was six weeks pregnant, but will return to court to play French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko on Saturday.

Serena Williams has not played since she won the Australian Open in January. Picture: AFP/Greg Wood
Serena Williams has not played since she won the Australian Open in January. Picture: AFP/Greg Wood

The 36-year-old, who gave birth to Alexis Jr in September, is planning to make a competitive return at the Australian Open next month.

“I am delighted to be returning to the court in Abu Dhabi for the first time since the birth of my daughter in September,” Williams told the tournament’s official website.

In a recent Instagram post, Serena Williams told fans, “Be excited, be very excited.” Picture: Instagram
In a recent Instagram post, Serena Williams told fans, “Be excited, be very excited.” Picture: Instagram

“The Mubadala World Tennis Championship has long marked the beginning of the men’s global tennis season and I am excited and honoured to be making my comeback as part of the first women to participate in the event.

“I look forward to seeing the fans in Abu Dhabi at the 10th edition of the Championship very soon.”

Men’s world number one Rafael Nadal was also supposed to play in the event but withdrew due to ongoing troubles with his knee.

After nearly a year’s absence, Serena Williams is set to return to the court. Picture: AFP/Timothy A. Clary
After nearly a year’s absence, Serena Williams is set to return to the court. Picture: AFP/Timothy A. Clary

Originally published as Serena Williams to make her return to the court in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Australian Open

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/serena-williams-to-make-her-return-to-the-court-in-abu-dhabi-ahead-of-the-australian-open/news-story/154bfcce1894c02b60b41dc477d1be26