This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has said Serena Williams, who gave birth to a daughter in September, will return to Melbourne to defend her title in January.

“Serena will be back,” Tiley said. “We look forward to welcoming her and again go on that journey of breaking the all-time record for the most number of grand slams.”



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Williams announced after giving birth that the initials of her daughter’s name – Alexis Olympia Ohanian – were a nod to the Australian Open. The seven-times Australian Open champion was eight weeks pregnant when she defeated her sister Venus to win the 2017 tournament.



In 2018, both the men’s and women’s winners will collect a $4m cheque, up from $3.7m in 2017, while the entire prize money pool has increased by 10% to $55m.



Tiley said the winners’ prizemoney had broken a barrier. “It’s the first time ever that both the women and the men’s winner will receive $4m each – that has not been done by any other grand slam or any other event,” he said.

Serena’s sister Venus, the world No5, will make an appearance at the Sydney International in preparation for the Australian Open, 20 years after the 37-year-old last featured in Sydney.



“The Australian summer is always a favourite of mine,” said Venus Williams. “I really love the atmosphere the crowds bring and I’m confident my preparation over the next few months to put on a good show for the Australian fans.”

Venus is in career-best form, achieving her highest ranking since January 2011 after she finished runner-up to Serena at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open. “I have been playing some really great tennis this year and I feel I’m in a strong position, both physically and mentally, in the lead up to Sydney,” she said.

The women’s trophy will be presented by US great Billie Jean King, 50 years after she won her first Australian Open title.

In the men’s field Tiley confirmed six-time winner Novak Djokovic and fellow former world No1 Andy Murray, who have both battled injury this year, would play in Melbourne.

