Serena ready for Hopman challenge

Serena ready for Hopman challenge

Serena Williams has belatedly arrived at the Hopman Cup, ready to represent the United States in the first match against the Czech Republic.

The world number seven missed the United States's opening match because of illness, with stand-in Meghann Shaughnessy and Mardy Fish winning their singles matches to seal a 2-1 win over India.

Williams, who will defend her Australian Open title in Melbourne next month, said she was ready to win the Hopman Cup for the second time, having teamed up with James Blake to lift the trophy in 2003.

"I just had the stomach flu - I was really sick," she said after a one-hour practice session. "That's not fun to have but I am fine now.

"I'm feeling really good, I recovered really fast. I really wanted to come."

Williams arrived in the early hours of Sunday after flying from Miami via New York and Dubai.

"I was so glad when I heard that [Shaughnessy] won and Mardy won yesterday," she added. "I was really excited. I owe her a big thank you."

Last year, Williams played in the WTA event in Hobart the week before the Australian Open, losing to Sybille Bammer of Austria in the quarter-finals.

Ranked 86, she was given little chance at the Australian Open but stormed through the draw to win her eighth grand-slam title.

This time, though, the American said she was leaving nothing to chance.

"Last year was cutting it close," she said. "I never really like to play a week before a grand slam. Especially as defending champion, I really want to make sure I am here, trying to get ready.

"I feel really prepared and am here to win it like everyone else in the draw."

Williams's first match at the Hopman Cup will be on Monday against Czech Lucie Safarova, while she will also have to face local favourite Alicia Molik when the US play Australia in their final group match.

"I played [Safarova] this time last year in Hobart and had an extremely tough match," she continued.

"I know she's a good player and I'll have to be ready. Then Alicia's going to be a fan favourite, but I'm used to playing fan favourites."

reference: "eurosport"