Serena Williams expected to play at Brisbane International despite minor foot surgery
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Nov. 4, 2012, file photo, Serena Williams of the U.S. returns a serve from sister Venus during an exhibition tennis match at Ellis Park Indoor Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa. Williams has had surgery on her big toes and withdrew from an exhibition match against top-ranked Victoria Azarenka in Thailand in December. A medical certificate from Florida podiatrist Jeffrey Rockefeller says Williams "was treated for a chronic foot disorder which involved minor procedures on both of her great toes." (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File) (The Associated Press)
Brisbane International organizers say Serena Williams still plans to compete in the Dec. 30-Jan. 5 event despite minor surgery on her big toes that forced her to withdraw from a Dec. 29 exhibition in Thailand.
Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson said Thursday he had been assured by Williams' agent that the WTA player of the year will "be fit and ready" for the event at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
Williams has been affected by chronic foot problems since treading on glass and badly cutting both feet in 2010.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The five-time Australian Open winner played at last year's Brisbane International but pulled out because of an ankle injury at the quarterfinals. Later in the year, she won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the women's singles title in the London Olympics.