Serena Williams Injury: Updates on Tennis Star's Knee and Return

Superstar Serena Williams missed Team USA's opening Hopman Cup tie on Jan. 11 because of knee inflammation, and despite returning to action on Jan. 12, she exited her match with Jarmila Wolfe early as a precaution for the same problem. However, she is ready to return. 

Continue for updates.

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Williams Wins in Return to Court

Sunday, Jan. 17

Williams beat Camila Giorgi 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of the Australian Open. 

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Williams Comments on Knee Injury

Thursday, Jan. 14

Williams provided reporters an update on her status with the Australian Open only a few days away: "Everything is really well. I am feeling really good. I’m excited. I’ve been training every day for so long. I’m ready."

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Williams Return Cut Short vs. Wolfe

Tuesday, Jan. 5

"Trailing 7-5, 2-1, Williams has withdrawn from her match against [Wolfe] due to injury," tweeted the Hopman Cup feed.

"Wolfe tells interviewer that Serena told her the knee wasn’t feeling great and she didn’t want to risk injuring it further," noted WTA Insider.

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Williams Was a Huge Loss for Team USA

Williams' return was her first official match for the United States since last September's U.S. Open. Vicky Duval, 20, took her place during the opening day and couldn't stop Ukraine from gaining an advantage over the American team.

No player in women's tennis possesses the sheer power and physical dominance of Williams. Her experience is invaluable, while her competitive spirit means any time spent away from court will only serve to frustrate.

She is the clear favorite to win the first grand slam of the year at the Australian Open.