Serena Williams is one of a handful of grand slam winners who will be making a comeback in 2018. She took time off after winning the Australian Open in January ... while pregnant.
Serena Williams is one of a handful of grand slam winners who will be making a comeback in 2018. She took time off after winning the Australian Open in January ... while pregnant.
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Williams gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia 3.5 months ago and is back practicing. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said he expects her to play in Melbourne next month.
Williams gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia 3.5 months ago and is back practicing. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said he expects her to play in Melbourne next month.
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If Serena does play and wins the Australian Open, she would tie Australia's Margaret Court for the all-time grand slam lead with 24.
If Serena does play and wins the Australian Open, she would tie Australia's Margaret Court for the all-time grand slam lead with 24.
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Another player making a comeback is Novak Djokovic. The 12-time grand slam winner hasn't competed since July due to an elbow injury.
Another player making a comeback is Novak Djokovic. The 12-time grand slam winner hasn't competed since July due to an elbow injury.
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Djokovic is looking to recapture the form that saw him win four straight majors from 2015-2016. He was the first man to win four straight since Rod Laver in 1969.
Djokovic is looking to recapture the form that saw him win four straight majors from 2015-2016. He was the first man to win four straight since Rod Laver in 1969.
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Djokovic's friend Andy Murray is also due to return to action. Like Djokovic, Murray shut down his season following Wimbledon.
Djokovic's friend Andy Murray is also due to return to action. Like Djokovic, Murray shut down his season following Wimbledon.
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Murray replaced Djokovic as world No. 1 last year but was troubled by a longstanding hip problem in 2017. He cut ties too with coach Ivan Lendl.
Murray replaced Djokovic as world No. 1 last year but was troubled by a longstanding hip problem in 2017. He cut ties too with coach Ivan Lendl.
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Injury wasn't the issue for Victoria Azarenka this year. After she gave birth in December 2016, Azarenka returned to competition in June.
Injury wasn't the issue for Victoria Azarenka this year. After she gave birth in December 2016, Azarenka returned to competition in June.
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But Azarenka became embroiled in a custody battle with her son's father and didn't play again after Wimbledon. Azarenka received a wildcard for the ASB Classic in Auckland the first week of January but has now withdrawn.
But Azarenka became embroiled in a custody battle with her son's father and didn't play again after Wimbledon. Azarenka received a wildcard for the ASB Classic in Auckland the first week of January but has now withdrawn.
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Maria Sharapova will be playing in her first full season since returning from a doping ban in April. Originally given a two-year ban for testing positive for meldonium, her punishment was reduced to 15 months.
Maria Sharapova will be playing in her first full season since returning from a doping ban in April. Originally given a two-year ban for testing positive for meldonium, her punishment was reduced to 15 months.
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Highlights for Sharapova in 2017 included beating current No. 1 Simona Halep in the first round of the US Open and winning a title in China in October.
Highlights for Sharapova in 2017 included beating current No. 1 Simona Halep in the first round of the US Open and winning a title in China in October.
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