American female tennis ace, Serena Williams has turned her attention on representing her country at next year’s Hopman Cup, following her decision to end the current season prematurely.
As she turns her focus fully on next year’s mixed-team event, sports247.ng learnt that the big thrill for Williams is getting to play in front of Australian fans.
Williams, who pulled out of this month’s China Open, will be playing in Australia for the first time since winning the 2017 Open Down Under while eight weeks pregnant.
She missed last year’s Australian Open, as she was not fully fit to return following the birth of daughter Olympia.
She is now bracing up for The Hopman Cup runs from 29 December until 5 January, with the 2019 Australian Open taking place from 14-27 January.
Incidentally, Williams is set to face Roger Federer in her first event of the 2019 season when the USA play Switzerland in the mixed doubles at the Hopman Cup.
Williams, 37, has not played since her controversial US Open final defeat by Naomi Osaka in September.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion partners Frances Tiafoe, while 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer and Belinda Bencic will seek to defend their title.
Federer, 37, and Bencic, 21, won Switzerland’s first Hopman Cup since 2001 earlier this year.
“The Aussie fans are always so warm and supportive and the Hopman Cup has always given me a great start to the season, especially ahead of the Australian Open,” Williams enthused.
