New mum Serena back in the swing as Aussie Open looms

ABU DHABI - Former world No 1 Serena Williams will make a surprise comeback at the Mubadala exhibition event in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, as the American gears up for her Australian Open title defense in January.

The decision to play in the United Arab Emirates all but confirms Williams' participation at Melbourne Park.

The 36-year-old has not played since clinching a 23rd Grand Slam singles title 11 months ago, after revealing she was pregnant during the tournament and taking time off to give birth to her first child, Alexis Olympia, in September.