WIMBLEDON champion Serena Williams says a return to the sport is driving her recovery from a blood clot on the lung.
“I love tennis and now more than anything I have so much to look forward to just playing,” she told NBC. The 29-year-old added that emergency surgery for the pulmonary embolism was the “scariest moment in my life”.
Williams said she had several more blood clots on her lungs and is injecting herself twice a day with blood-thinning medication.
The American believes she may be able to make a return in “early summer” as she waits for the remaining clots to dissolve.
In her most recent appearance on court, Williams defeated Vera Zvonareva to clinch her fourth Wimbledon title in July.
Before her latest health scare she been sidelined by a cut to her foot suffered celebrating her Wimbledon win – her 13th Grand Slam title – outside a Munich restaurant.
In her absence from competition, Williams has slipped to 11th in the world with Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki taking her place at the top of the rankings.
Williams said swelling on her leg was the first sign that she may be suffering from an embolism.
“I could not breathe. I remember thinking, I’m walking but I cannot breathe. That forced me to the emergency room,” she added.
“They told me they had to check me in immediately or it wasn’t going to be a good result.
“Luckily enough, I was able to catch it soon enough that my career won’t be affected.
“I really just want to come back and do well.” (BBC Sport)