WTA CEO Steve Simon says he’s spoken to Serena Williams, who expressed to him her desire to return for her title defence at the Australian Open in 2018.
Simon, speaking at the WTA Finals in Singapore, was discussing the wider issue of mothers playing professional tennis, and how his organisation wanted to ensure there was “room for both” a career in tennis and motherhood for its players.
“I know (Serena is) excited to come back and actually mentions that she’s very hungry for 2018 and looking to come back in Australia,” Simon said.
FEATURE: experience crucial at WTA Finals
“Serena is not the first high-profile mother that’s been a mum on the tour, the most recent past one was obviously Kim Clijsters.
“I think it’s something that’s exciting. It should be congratulated. It can be done and they can play at the highest level. Kim came back and won Grand Slams after being a mum.
“I hope that it becomes an issue that we have to deal with that we have more mums and kids out there, because it’s great to see. And we do have several players now that travel with children.
“It’s great. It’s wonderful.”
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