• WTA Tour

No return date for Serena

ESPN staff
March 17, 2011
Serena Williams has not played since July © Getty Images
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Serena Williams is refusing to set a date for her return to action following surgery to remove a blood clot on her lung.

Williams has not played since winning Wimbledon last July following surgery on a foot injury. After being forced to undergo surgery for a second time on the troublesome right foot, the former world No. 1 suffered a huge setback when she suffered a pulmonary embolism last month.

Williams has struggled to deal with her lengthy lay-off, saying she is fed up with the isolation, doctors' visits and physical limitations.

"I definitely have not been happy," Williams told USA Today. "Especially when I had that second surgery [on her foot], I was definitely depressed. I cried all the time. I was miserable to be around."

The American had initially hoped to return in time to defend her title at the All England Club, but admits her recovery could take some time and she insists she will not return until she is 100 per cent happy with her health.

"I don't know what's realistic. I really don't know. I haven't put a date on it yet," she said. "I just want to make sure I can breathe when I'm out there."

Williams has slipped to No. 11 in the world rankings after missing the defence of her Australian Open title in January, but she is confident that when she does return to the court, she can hit the ground running.

"I know how to play tennis. I've been doing it for a long time - longer than I can say," she said. "So I figure that will work out. I always think I'm going to play again and I'm going to be faster, I'm going to be better, I'm going to be smarter, wiser."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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