Serena plans to play at Brisbane

Despite surgeries on her toes, American Serena Williams plans to play in the Brisbane International. PHOTO: STAR FILE

Brisbane International organisers say Serena Williams still plans to compete in the December 30-January 5 event despite minor surgery on her big toes that forced her to withdraw from a December 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.
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 US Open and the women's singles title in the London Olympics.