Serena Williams 'has entered' Australian Open

Williams won her seventh Australian Open title back in January, and 23rd Grand Slam overall, and it was later revealed she did so while pregnant.

The 36-year-old gave birth to her daughter Alexis in September and, while it was always likely she would target a return to action in the season-opening Slam, the latest news out of Melbourne is the most concrete sign yet that she will defend her title.

"She's got her visa, she's entered, she's practising," Tiley told the Herald Sun. "There's no question she'll be ready in our view."

Williams is just one Grand Slam title away from matching the record of 24 set by Margaret Court.

“She wants to break a record that is Margaret Court’s,” said Tiley.

“It would be a pretty significant accomplishment for her to be able to do that.”