INQUIRER Sports

SYDNEY -- World number two Serena Williams said Thursday she has recovered from a hamstring injury and was ready for an assault on a fourth Australian Open crown later this month.

The nine-time grand slam winner is the top seed for the Sydney WTA International, getting under way here on Sunday.

The reigning US Open champion, 27, was scheduled to begin her year in this week's Hopman Cup mixed teams event in Perth, partnering James Blake, but pulled out last month with the hamstring injury.

Williams gave herself the all clear when she arrived here on Thursday.

"I don't think I have any hammy [hamstring] problems. I'm good, yeah," she told reporters.

Williams finished last season ranked only behind Serbian Jelena Jankovic, having hit the top spot for four weeks and is planning another shot at the number one ranking.

"I am. I'm close," Williams said. "I'm just looking forward to playing in the tournament here."

Among her major rivals in Sydney will be three Russians -- world number three Dinara Safina, Beijing Olympic champion Elena Dementieva and 2008 Sydney finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Williams is returning to Sydney for the first time in seven years, while older sister Venus has opted to start her season this week in a teams event in Hong Kong.

Williams won the Australian Open in 2007, 2005 and 2003.