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Serena Williams: will she be ready for the 2018 Australian Open?

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Serena Williams waves to the crowd as she leaves the court with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy after winning the Women's Singles Final against Venus Williams of the United States on day 13 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Serena Williams waves to the crowd as she leaves the court with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy after winning the Women's Singles Final against Venus Williams of the United States on day 13 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) /
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Serena Williams is the defending women’s singles champion at the Australian Open. Will she be back on the courts in time for the 2018 event?

Serena Williams being a new mom has left fans speculating as to when she will return to the WTA Tour. Many predict she will be ready for the 2018 Australian Open.

In 2017 at Melbourne Park, Williams defeated her sister Venus in the final, taking the match in straight sets. She won the major tournament 6–4, 6–4 to earn her seventh title at the Australian Open.

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Amongst her absence on the tour, players such as Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki have risen to the occasion. Wozniacki, a former world No. 1 herself, is the 2017 WTA Finals champion. She and Halep both remain in search of their first career Grand Slam titles.

Serena Williams has seven singles and four doubles titles at Melbourne Park.

There is no doubt that Williams is comfortable at the Australian Open. The question remains, however, as to whether or not she will be in peak playing shape by the time the major tournament comes in 2018.

The majority of the American tennis star’s schedule for the upcoming year remains unknown. She is expected to reveal details about it in the coming weeks. The 2018 WTA Tour, however, is right around the corner and her schedule could greatly impact how players and fans alike approach the early tournaments on tour.

Two other players to watch at the 2018 Australian Open include Maria Sharapova and Angelique Kerber. Both are former singles champions at the event. Sharapova is continuing her return to the sport after serving a suspension. She and Williams being back on the WTA Tour could reignite the age-old rivalry that fans have come to know and love. Stay tuned for more updates on Serena Williams, her playing schedule, and all of the action in women’s singles tennis for the upcoming WTA Tour.

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