Serena Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou has given an update on whether she will be returning to tennis action at the 2018 Australian Open.

Williams emerged victorious at the 2017 Australian Open earlier this year when she defeated her sister Venus in the final to win her 23rd Grand Slam.

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Following her win in Melbourne, the American suffered a knee injury which saw her withdraw from Indian Wells before she eventually took time off from tennis after revealing that she was 20 weeks pregnant in April.

Having given birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr in September, Williams, currently ranked 22nd in the world, later revealed her intention to defend her title in Australia.

This was also followed up with Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley claiming that "Serena will be back".

However, the 36-year-old's coach Mouratoglou says that although she is getting ready for the new season, nothing is certain at this moment.

"Serena is getting ready for 2018," Mouratoglou told CNN. "She is practising and getting back in shape. 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."

If Williams does not return in time for the first Grand Slam of the year, she could possibly return for Indian Wells or the Miami Masters, both of which take place in March.

Williams is notably one major title away from tying Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slams, the most that any player has won in tennis history in the Open era.