Serena uncertain of Australian Open return, says coach Mouratoglou

Though she hoped to be back in time to defend her Australian Open title, Serena Williams has made no decision yet on whether she will attempt to win an eighth trophy Down Under, according to longtime coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

"Serena is getting ready for 2018," he said in an interview with CNN.

Patrick Mouratoglou spoke to CNN about 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams' planned 2018 return, and whether the former World No.1 will be back in time for the first major tournament of the season in Melbourne.

Serena gave birth to first child Alexis Olympia during the 2017 US Open, and celebrated her wedding to husband Alexis Ohanian shortly before Thanksgiving. The former World No.1 hasn't played a match since winning her 23rd Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, breaking Stefanie Graf's Open Era record in the process.

Still, Williams hasn't been off the court completely, practicing well into her pregnancy and sharing some of that footage on Instagram over the summer:

Mourataglou has been with Williams since 2012 and the pair plan to resume their coaching relationship in the ensuing off-season alongside new hitting partner Jarmere Jenkins.

Jenkins' brother Jermaine is currently hitting partner to Serena's sister, Venus.

"She is practicing and getting back in shape," Mourataglou said. "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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