Serena not sure about Australian Open title defence

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Bengaluru, November 29: Serena Williams is yet to take a final call regarding her title defence of the Australian Open.

The 2018 season's first Grand Slam will be held at the Melbourne Park from January 15 to 28.

The former world No.1 was around two months pregnant when she captured her 23rd Grand Slam singles title in Melbourne earlier this year.

The 36-year-old was hoping to defend her crown next January following the birth of her daughter in September.

"Serena is getting ready for 2018," Serena's coach Patrick Mouratoglou told CNN.

"She is practicing and getting back in shape. I'll be joining her soon in Florida.
"We'll see how her body is reacting and how her tennis level is and then we'll take a decision regarding Australia," he added.

Other big names in doubt include former Grand Slam winners Victoria Azarenka and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Azarenka, who won back-to-back Australian Open titles (2012 and 2013) has been out of action since July due to a case regarding the custody of her child.

The Belarusian has though confirmed her presence for the ASB Classic in January, one of the warm-up tournaments for Australian Open.

Meanwhile, Russian Kuznetsova is still recovering from wrist surgery conducted earlier this month after separate injuries to the area and has not set any specific time frame for her return, which makes her a doubtful starter for Melbourne.