Serena to begin hard-court season in San Jose

After pulling out of the ongoing Madrid Open, American tennis ace Serena Williams has confirmed that she will kickstart her summer hard-court season at the upcoming WTA tournament in San Jose, California.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion will play at the 2018 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, which will be held at the San Jose State University from July 30 to August 5.

Announcing the news, Williams said the tournament plays an important role in women's tennis and, therefore, she is looking forward to the challenge.

"I am looking forward to opening my summer season at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic and competing in the new venue. This tournament plays an historic role in women's tennis, and as a California native the fans in the Bay Area have always been incredibly supportive," the WTA website quoted the 36-year-old as saying.

Besides Williams, five-time Grand Slam champion and Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova and defending champion and US Open finalist Madison Keys have also committed to play in the event.

After pulling out of the Madrid Open saying that she needs more time to prepare for the clay-court season, Williams also withdrew from next week's Italian Open in Rome - a tournament where she won four times.

Serena ended her 15-month absence from tennis during which she gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr in March this year. She went on to play at Indian Wells and Miami Open but has admitted to struggling to get fully fit.