NEW YORK – Serena Williams’ return to the WTA Tour following the birth of her first child will be the “greatest challenge” of her career, but the American can get back to her best in time for the French Open, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
Williams, who won her 23rd grand slam title at last year’s Australian Open before going on maternity leave, pulled out of this year’s tournament.
She represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match last month and is scheduled to take part in the Indian Wells Open this week.
Asked if her latest comeback represented the biggest test of her career, Mouratoglou said: “It probably is ... now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest challenge.”
Former world number one Williams, who returned in 2012 from surgery for a life-threatening blood clot on her lung and climbed back to the top of the rankings, said she almost died after giving birth in September.
Mouratoglou said fans had to give Williams time to adjust to the rigours of the sport.
“I think she’ll be ready for Roland Garros. The competitions she will play until then will help her and every day she progresses on her fitness,” he told the WTA’s website.
“Serena’s target will be to win grand slams. She knows that coming back might take some time, but her level of expectation is high as always.”