Melbourne: Australian Open organisers said Tuesday here that they were hopeful of a return by new mum Serena Williams in January as they announced a raise in the winners’ prize money to a bumper four million Australian dollars here.
Injured former World No.1 Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, along with Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka, are set to be back in action in time for the season’s opening Grand Slam in January. All the four have been out of action for extended periods now recovering from their respective injuries.
Serena, the defending champion won the title while pregnant, and she has spoken of her outrageous’ plans to play in Melbourne in 2018 – just four-and-a-half months after giving birth to her baby girl.
Tournament director Craig Tiley said all 100 top men and women had confirmed they intended to play in the event – which includes Serena, who is currently ranked 24th. He added that the 36-year-old’s mind was firmly fixed on the tournament, which coincidentally has the same initials as her daughter, Alexis Olympia (AO).
“If anyone can do it (return), she can and I’m certainly not counting her out of a return come January,” Tiley stated during the official launch of the event here.
“She wants to come back in 2018 and defend her title. Obviously, at training now, there are several months to go. It will be up to her as far as where she is with her fitness,” he added.
Agence France-Presse