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Serena aims to blossom in the spring

By Paul Gittings, CNN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Serena Williams hoping to return to tennis circuit in the spring
  • The 13-time grand slam champion has been sidelined by a troubling foot injury
  • Williams has seen Kim Clijsters win the U.S. and Australian Open titles in her absence

(CNN) -- Serena Williams is targeting a spring return to the tennis circuit after a lengthy injury layoff which culminated in the 13-time grand slam winner being unable to defend her Australian Open crown.

Williams picked up a freak foot injury when she cut her foot in a restaurant after claiming her fourth Wimbledon crown last July.

Complications in her recovery after initial surgery meant the former world number one not only missed the U.S. Open but was forced out of the first grand slam of 2011 in Melbourne; she could only watch from the sidelines as Belgium's Kim Clijsters picked up both titles.

The 29-year-old American told CNN that she was anxious to return to the court after being out of the game for seven months and counting.

Serena on foot injury

"I'll blossom again in the spring. It'll be fun," she said.

It has been a frustrating spell for Williams, with further surgery required to correct her troubling injury.

When she spoke with Open Court just before the Australian Open she still had her right foot in a cast and was clearly frustrated.

"I'm going to be back sooner than later, I hope. This comes off very soon, so by the time this airs this'll probably be off. But I don't know," she added.

Despite the setback and talk of retirement, Serena has a steely determination to add to her already impressive career record.

There's so much more that I want to do in tennis, just to keep playing and keep winning
--Serena Williams
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"There's so much more that I want to do in tennis, just to keep playing and keep winning. It's just something that I really enjoy," she said.

"Most of all I want to get back to doubles. I really love playing doubles."

Serena's doubles partner is, of course, elder sister Venus, herself a seven- time grand slam singles winner.

As a formidable doubles partnership they have claimed a further 12 grand slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.

Venus has also been troubled by injury and had to retire early in her third-round clash with Andrea Petkovic at the Australian Open.

But it would be foolish to write off the record-breaking sisters, and Serena is certainly making no plans for retirement.

"I plan to be back in the spring, which is a good time, you know," she repeated.

That would leave Williams time to prepare for the French Open, starting May 17, before the defense of her Wimbledon crown the following month.

The Paris event is the sole grand slam that she has won only once, back in 2002.

To catch up on how Serena has been spending her time during her injury layoff and for more of her interview with CNN's Candy Reid, tune in to the next edition of Open Court, which first airs on February 10.