Serena Williams's return depends on how labour and birth went: Kim Clijsters

Serena Williams is targeting a return to competitive tennis next January to defend her Australian Open title, but three-time US Open champion Kim Clijsters, who became a mother questioned her ability to regain top form soon after childbirth

Belgian tennis star Kim Clijsters (left) and Serena Williams

Serena Williams is targeting a return to competitive tennis next January to defend her Australian Open title, but three-time US Open champion Kim Clijsters, who became a mother questioned her ability to regain top form soon after childbirth.

Williams gave birth to a baby daughter on September 1 and would be trying to be ready for play when next year's first Grand Slam event gets under way on January 15 on the Melbourne hardcourts.

Asked if that was a realistic timetable for a comeback, Clijsters was doubtful. And she retired for two years and had a baby before returning and winning her 2009 crown in New York.

"To me, it wasn't when I had Jada," said Belgian Clijsters. "It all depends. If you set your mind to it, maybe." One unknown factor about Williams is how taxing the delivery was upon her.

"Depends how the labour and birth went. How your body reacts — everybody reacts different in those situations," Clijsters said.

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