Serena Williams claims hamstring is better, ready to play Australian Open

After being out of action for over four months, Serena Williams seems prepared to return to action and add to her Grand Slam tally at next year's Australian Open.

In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday, the former World No.1 revealed she had almost fully recovered from the right hamstring injury she suffered in her first round match at Wimbledon in June.

“The hamstring is better,” Williams said when asked about her recovery. “It took a long time. It took forever, but it’s much better now.”

The 40-year old was forced to miss time after tearing her hamstring, withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics and the US Open.

"It was sad to miss that one," Williams told Kimmel, when asked about the 2021 U.S. Open. "I put in extra effort to try to make it, but it didn't work out."

Williams said she intends to play in the Australian Open, which will be played Jan. 17 to 30 in Melbourne. She’s won seven singles titles at the tournament, last lifting the title in 2017.