Tennis:Serena Williams has set her sights on a return to action by early summer after undergoing emergency surgery as a result of a blood clot in her lung earlier this week.
The 29-year-old admitted the last few days had been “extremely hard, scary, and disappointing” after it was confirmed she had received treatment on Monday for a haematoma, suffered as a result of a pulmonary embolism which was diagnosed last week.
“Thank you everyone for all of your prayers, concerns, and support,” the former world number one said in a statement. “This has been extremely hard, scary, and disappointing. I am doing better, I’m at home now and working with my doctors to keep everything under control.
“I know I will be okay but am praying and hoping this will all be behind me soon. While I can’t make any promises now on my return, I hope to be back by early summer. That said, my main goal is to make sure I get there safely.”
A separate statement confirmed the 13-time grand slam title winner would spend the immediate future under close medical scrutiny.
“Serena did indeed suffer from a pulmonary embolism last week, and the haematoma was another unexpected scare that was subsequently removed. Thankfully everything was caught in time,” the statement read.
“With continued doctor visits to monitor her situation, she is recuperating at home under strict medical supervision.”
Williams has been out of competitive action since winning Wimbledon in July. She subsequently cut her foot on some broken glass, an injury which has required two operations.
Despite her lengthy absence, she is still ranked 11th in the world.