Serena Williams

Serena Williams touches down in Auckland ahead of ASB Classic return

1 NEWS captured Williams, 38, arriving into Auckland this morning, clutching daughter Alexis Olympia, with tournament director Karl Budge there to welcome her.

Williams was recently named the Associated Press' female athlete of the decade, having won 12 Grand Slam single titles — no other woman had more than three over the past 10 seasons — while sitting atop the WTA rankings for 3 1/2 years.

Serena Williams beaten in US Open final by Bianca Andreescu

Ranked 178th in the world at the start of year, Andreescu overcame a dramatic second-set collapse to deny Williams a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles crown with a stirring 6-3 7-5 triumph on Saturday.

Title success on her main-draw debut at Flushing Meadows marked the equal- fastest journey to grand slam glory in tennis history, matching Monica Seles' feat in winning the 1990 French Open in only her fourth major.

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova to meet in first round in NY

It will be the 22nd career match-up between the two long-time rivals, who somehow have avoided each other at the U.S. Open throughout their long careers.

Twelve months after losing the final to Naomi Osaka, Williams will have to hit the ground running in her quest for a 24th Grand Slam title.

Williams has won the U.S. Open six times, while Sharapova's lone title was in 2006.

Sharapova beat Williams twice in 2004, but has not prevailed since, not counting a walkover in the 2018 French Open, where the American pulled out with an injury.

Serena Williams breaks down in tears after withdrawing hurt from Rogers Cup final

As Williams wept, the 19-year-old Andreescu bent down to hug her and a trainer approached as a mic picked up Williams saying she had back spasms. She was down a break at the time.

Williams continued to weep as she addressed the crowd in Toronto after the match. She apologised and vowed "to keep going."

"I'm not a crier," she said, "but ... thank you all."

Serena Williams fined $15K for damaging court

Fabio Fognini was fined US$3,000. The Italian said during his third-round loss that he wished a bomb would hit Wimbledon.

Nick Kyrgios was handed two fines, one for US$3,000 from the first round and another for US$5,000 from the second round both for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Australian lost to Rafael Nadal in five sets in the second round.

Williams' offence took place on one of the outside courts, which players are allowed to use for training before the championships.

Serena easily ends Rodina run

The women's singles draw has seen a plethora of surprise results, with none of the top 10 seeds reaching the quarter-finals, a turn of events that has seen 23-time grand slam champion Williams become the favourite to win the Venus Rosewater Dish for an eighth time.

And she ensured there would not be another shock in Monday's contest on Centre Court, her seemingly unstoppable march to the final continuing with a 6-2 6-2 triumph.

Serena out in latest blow to Australian Open

The 23-time grand slam champion joins the growing list of absentees for the year's opening major, which already includes five-time runner-up Andy Murray and former world number four Kei Nishikori, with doubts also over star duo Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Serena has not played a competitive match since claiming a record-equalling slam at the Australian Open last year, having given birth to her first child in September.

Serena uncertain for Australia

Williams was around two months pregnant when she captured her 23rd grand slam singles title in Melbourne earlier this year and was hoping to defend her crown next January following the birth of her daughter in September.

"Serena is getting ready for 2018," the 36-year-old American's coach Patrick Mouratoglou told CNN. "She is practising and getting back in shape. I will be joining her soon in Florida.

"We will see how her body is reacting and how her tennis level is and we will take a decision regarding Australia."

Serena Williams shares pictures of her new baby girl

Williams and her fiancée Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder, welcomed their little girl on 1 September at a clinic in Florida.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner shared a video clip on her Instagram Stories, Facebook and website.

Williams announced the name of her baby daughter on her Instagram Stories profile. She also shared a montage of memorable moments from her pregnancy, including winning the Australian Open while pregnant and her first ultrasound.

Serena Williams gives birth to baby girl

The 35-year-old American, who is engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, has not competed since winning the Australian Open in January but has posted several videos to social media showing her hitting balls during her pregnancy.

"Congratulations @SerenaWilliams for your baby girl. I am so happy for you and I feel your emotion," her coach Patrick Mouratoglou tweeted.

"Btw … I wish you a speedy recovery … we have a lot of work ahead of us."