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DETERMINED: Serena Williams

SERENA WILLIAMS has made a shock announcement that she will be returning to compete in the third-tier ASB Classic at Auckland to warm up for the 2020 Australian Open.

The 37-year-old American icon, who withdrew from last week's Western & Southern Open in Ohio, is due back in court at next week's US Open but may not be a force to be reckoned with.

After retiring during the Rogers Cup final in Toronto on August 11 because of back spasms, Williams isn't expected to claim her record-equalling 24th Grand Slam Singles crown at New York's Flushing Meadows.

However, she is keen to recapture the Australian Open title having last won it for the seventh time in 2017.

RETURN

Williams is returning to New Zealand for January's ABS Classic, having made her debut in Auckland two years ago for what then seemed like a once in a lifetime visit.

But the tennis player suffered a shock 2nd round three-set defeat to compatriot Madison Brengle last time she played at blustery Auckland.

Following her upset, Williams said: "It's my least favourite conditions I've ever played in, the tournament is not a great opportunity to assess your game.

"At least I can get out of these conditions so I can get somewhere better, and warmer weather too. I can take solace in the fact that the conditions won't be like this is Melbourne!"

So why is Williams making a return to a third tier tournament?

A statement from her claims: "I want to win that title so bad. Last time I was there I had so much going on. Although I fought through to win my first match, I know I didn't play to my level.
"I have such amazing memories that are really special to me from Auckland, I would really like to add some on court memories to that list."

The reality is that Williams is totally driven to beat Margaret Court's all-time Grand Slam record.
And given her remarkable run of results at Melbourne Park it seems that the 2020 Australian Open is her best opportunity to equal the record before concentrating on where her next major triumph will be to rewrite the history books.

Having failed to capture a Grand Slam since her 2017 Australia Open, success has been tough for Williams as she scuppered opportunities by finishing runner-up at the 2018 US Open as well as Wimbledon in 2018 and 2019.

Williams plays a power game with incredible athleticism, but others on the WTA Tour are playing catch up with the veteran and her tactics have become increasingly predictable.

If Williams is to have a shot at making history she will have to hit peak performance and eradicate her niggling injuries during the off season in order to return with a bang.