Australian Open 2019: Serena Williams confirmed entrant as she chases 24th grand slam title
Williams reached the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals after her return last year but lost both, leaving her one short of Margaret Court's all-time record tally of grand slam singles titles
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Serena Williams will resume her quest for a record-equalling 24th grand slam title at the Australian Open in January after organisers on Wednesday confirmed her entry to the tournament she won for a seventh time on her last appearance in 2017.
The 37-year-old American achieved her victory over sister Venus in the final two years ago while eight weeks pregnant with her daughter Alexis Olympia, who was born the following September.
Williams reached the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals after her return last year but lost both, leaving her one short of Margaret Court's all-time record tally of grand slam singles titles.
Her final match last season was the final at Flushing Meadows, where her loss to Naomi Osaka was overshadowed by her row with umpire Carlos Ramos.
Williams is scheduled to play an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi in the final week of the year before heading to Australia to warm-up for her assault on the Melbourne Park title at the Hopman Cup in Perth.
Also among the 102 women and 101 men to have confirmed they will compete in the first grand slam of 2019 is five-times runner up Andy Murray, who missed three of the four majors last year because of a hip injury.
The 31-year-old Scot has entered the tournament with his protected ranking of number two after sliding down to 259th in the world in the wake of surgery on his injured joint.
Reigning champion Roger Federer will be gunning for a record seventh men's single crown from Jan. 14-27, while Caroline Wozniacki will embark on her maiden grand slam title defence at Melbourne Park.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments