Serena, Kuznetsova uncertain of playing Australian Open
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[November 29, 2017]
(Reuters) - Former world number
one Serena Williams has yet to make a decision about her
participation at the Australian Open, while world number 12 Svetlana
Kuznetsova is also a doubt for the first grand slam of 2018 after
undergoing wrist surgery.
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 practicing 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."
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Russian Kuznetsova told local media that she was recovering from
wrist surgery conducted earlier this month after separate injuries
to the area and said there was no specific time frame for her
return.
"I had two injuries in my wrist, so I had to do the operation," the
32-year-old double major winner said.
"There's a very complicated diagnosis. I'm still recovering and the
doctor does not talk about specific dates when I can start training
and play. Australia, most likely, I will have to miss."
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![](../images/112917pics/sports43.jpg)
Tennis player Serena Williams attends the 2017 Glamour Women of the
Year Awards at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.,
November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
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Meanwhile, Victoria Azarenka, who has not played since July due to
an ongoing child custody battle, is set to return at the ASB Classic
in January but will be without coach Michael Joyce, who released a
statement on their partnership.
"Vika is an extremely talented player. While I am excited to see her
return to tennis, I encourage and respect her decision to put her
family first," Joyce said of the Belarusian two-time Australian Open
champion and former world number one.
"It is with deep regret that I have decided to move forward with my
coaching career while she continues to work out her private life. I
look forward to seeing her on the tour soon and wish her the best of
luck."
The Australian Open will be held from Jan. 15-28.
(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru)
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