News bites: Serena, Nadal getting fitter

We do a circuit of the tennis world and wrap up the events making news in the past 24 hours …

Serena on track for Australian Open return?

That seems to be the indication from the American legend’s physical therapist, Ruben Mateu.

And it’s certainly more encouraging than the news which emerged last week that it was “highly unlikely” Williams would appear at the Brisbane International, where she has often warmed up for the year’s first Grand Slam event.

“Serena is already training in the gym to regain form slightly,” he told DPA.

“When someone’s muscles are so well-developed, it is easier for them to recover because muscles have a memory. It is easier to achieve results with that kind of person.

“The capacity for recovery will be faster for Serena than for any other sportswoman at her level.”

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Williams hasn’t played competitively since Australian Open 2017, which she won without dropping a set. She gave birth to her first child, daughter Alexis Olympia, in September.

She recently posted an Instagram video of her working out on a treadmill in the gym.

Nadal’s knee OK, says Moya

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal looks set to contest the ATP Finals despite an injury-affected lead up.

The world No.1 withdrew from last week’s Paris Masters ahead of his quarterfinal against Filip Krajinovic, citing knee soreness – the same ailment which prompted him to skip the recent Swiss Indoors tournament in Basel.

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But according to coach Carlos Moya, Nadal is ready to go.

“Rafa is fine, the knee is OK,” said Moya in Milan.

“He stopped just to take no risks. Rafa will be competitive in London because it’s the only big tournament he hasn’t won.”

Nadal heads the round-robin group also featuring Dominic Thiem, Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin, against whom he is a collective 17-3.

Murrays become parents for second time

Andy Murray and wife Kim have welcomed their second child into the world – a baby daughter to join older sister Sophia.

The news broke not long after Murray featured in an exhibition match against Roger Federer in Glasgow, Scotland.

Murray’s grandmother, Shirley Erskine, told the British media: “All the family is delighted. I’m delighted of course – another little great-granddaughter and hopefully another little playmate for big sister Sophia. It’s nice to get some good news. We were told that everything is well.”

Wawrinka back on court

One of the many top men working their way back from an injury-plagued 2017 season, Stan Wawrinka shared news of his return to the practice court.

Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion – most recently at the US Open in 2016 – hasn’t played since Wimbledon due to a knee injury requiring surgery.

First practice since July!Sooooo happy and excited!!Already killing the cones with the backhand !! ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? #londonimcoming ???? pic.twitter.com/qcMtd5x3sw

— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) November 7, 2017

Wawrinka is set to return at the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, beginning late December.

Stephens returns to the Fed Cup fold

US Open champion Sloane Stephens discussed her excitement at making her first Fed Cup appearance in almost two years when the United States take on Belarus in this weekend’s final.

The American joins compatriots CoCo Vandeweghe, Shelby Rogers and Alison Riske for the finale in Minsk, Belarus, before a sell-out crowd.

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Stephens’ last appearance in the team competition came in February 2016, when the US beat Poland in a World Group II tie.

“I’m happy to be back playing and happy the team made the finals. It’s awesome I can be on this team,” she said.

“Obviously, I’ve known these girls since I was 12, 13 years old, so we’re all really good friends.

“It’s easy to be with girls you like, girls you have fun with and girls you’ve been around for a really long time.”