15th January, 2015
She’s the world number one and a force to be reckoned with.
And tennis superstar Serena Williams showed just why she’s at the top of her game during a practise session at the Rod Laver Arena early today.
The 33-year-old sister of Venus, ranked world 18, was a dynamic presence on court wearing cropped blue Nike leggings and a stylish mottled black and white top. Moving athletically around the hard court the figure hugging legwear provided freedom of movement for the sports star, as she put her high performance Nike trainers through their paces. A visor kept her jet black locks from her face as she accessorized with a fun animal print sweatband.
Working under the expert tutelage of her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, the American star flexed her powerful forehand and backhand, before stopping for a brief chat.
Serena will hit the courts next week with play starting on Monday 19 January after the results of the hotly anticipated draw are announced on Friday.
The 18-time Grand Slam winner will be gunning for her sixth Australian Open title after failing to make it past the quarter final since her last win in 2010.
Last year’s winner China’s Li Na has retired, but Serena will face stiff competition from world number two Maria Sharapova, who won the Brisbane International last weekend.
Meanwhile former world number one Victoria Azarenka, who won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013, might draw a top seed in the early rounds after she dropped from the top 32.