23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams has resumed her training routine as she plans to return to the tour in January, according to her physio.
Williams hasn’t played a match on the tour since winning the Australian Open after giving birth to her first child in September. A baby girl called Alexis. Despite just becoming a mother, preparations are already underway for a planned return at the start of 2018. Next year the 36-year-old old will aim to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of winning 24 singles titles in the majors.
“Serena is already training in the gym to regain form slightly,” Williams’ physical therapist, Ruben Mateu, told DPA.
Mateu has been a member of Williams’ coaching team for a year. The prospect of her defending her title at the Australian Open remains a tough task given the lengthy absence from the tour. She has fallen down to 22nd in the WTA rankings. Meaning that she will be seeded outside the top eight at the Melbourne major for the first time since 2012. Nevertheless, Mateu believes she has the ability to return back to top form quickly.
“When someone’s muscles are so well-developed, it is easier for them to recover because muscles have a memory. It is easier to achieve results with that kind of person,” Mateu explained.
“The capacity for recovery will be faster for Serena than for any other sportswoman at her level.”
There is yet to be any formal comment from Williams regarding where or when she will return to the tour. Although that hasn’t stopped tournaments from speculating. Geoff Quinlan, who runs the Brisbane International, told the Courier Mail that it is ‘unlikely’ that Williams will play at the event. In contrast, Australian Open director, Craig Tiley, remains confident about her attendance at his tournament.
“We have a special relationship with Serena, the Williams family, both her and Venus. She wants to come back in 2018 and defend her title. Obviously, at training now, there is several months to go and it will be up to her as far as where she is with her fitness.” Said Tiley.
So far in her career, Williams has won 72 WTA titles and has spent a total of 319 weeks as world No.1.
