Comeback has been harder than expected, admits Serena Williams

Serena Williams has admitted that her return to tennis has been a tougher journey than expected.
The 36-year-old has made her comeback to the game after a 14-month break to give birth to her first child, Alexis Olympia.
Williams makes her return to the WTA Tour this week when she takes on Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas in the opening round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
However, she says the path to fitness has been far harder than she originally expected, and she may have to adjust her expectations of herself as a result.
“It’s been hard,” Williams told BBC Sport. “There have been so many days, even still, that I’m like ‘how am I going to keep going?’
“But I keep going and I know that I might not be at my best yet but I’m getting there. As long as I’m moving forward, even if it’s at a turtle’s pace, I’m OK with that.”
“If I want to play in those grand slams and play well then now is the perfect time to start.”
Latest
-
Tennis Features
Notable Australian Open qualifiers: From Tsvetana Pironkova and Francesca Jones to Bernard Tomic
Oli Jefford gives you the lowdown on the notable Australian Open qualifiers.
-
WTA Tour
‘I’m really happy to keep winning,’ says Aryna Sabalenka after capturing third title in a row
Another tournament, another title for Aryna Sabalenka.
-
News
Francesca Jones overcame injury and ‘wee mental breakdown’ ahead of Australian Open qualifying
The 20-year-old is in the main draw of the Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Naomi Osaka backed to win ‘another five to 10 majors as she that all-court game right’
How many Grand Slams will Naomi Osaka win?
-
News
Francesca Jones reaches maiden Grand Slam main draw after coming through Australian Open qualifying
Jones secured a 6-0, 6-1 victory.
-
ATP Tour
‘I’m fired up,’ says Sebastian Korda after beating Cameron Norrie to reach maiden ATP Tour final
Sebastian Korda too good for Cameron Norrie.
-
Tennis News
‘You have left us here heartbroken’ – Juan Martin del Potro’s poignant tribute to his late father
An emotional letter from Juan Martin del Potro.
-
ATP Tour
‘Real fortunate to get through,’ says Cameron Norrie after beating Frances Tiafoe at Delray Beach Open
Cameron Norrie continues great run at Delray Beach.
-
Australian Open
Strict Australian Open quarantine regulations announced and those who flout rules face heavy fines
Officials will come down hard on those who flout rules.
-
Tennis Today
Tennis Today: Player in face mask U-turn, Rafael Nadal’s cousins following in his footsteps
Tennis Today features Osaka and Nadal.