WATCH: Serena Williams trains in full force ahead of the Italian Open 2021

Serena Williams returns to action this week, after missing on tour for almost three months. The American last played at the Australian Open 2021, where she lost to Naomi Osaka in the semifinals. She will compete at the Italian Open 2021 this week, where she enters as the eighth seed. The 23-time Grandslam champion received a bye in the first round, and will face Nadia Podoroska in the second round on Wednesday.

Serena Williams is training in full force ahead of the Italian Open 2021. In a latest video uploaded by her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams is practicing a few drills, to help with her movement on-court. In the end, she is also seen hitting a few balls, as he works on attaining the perfect balance.

Serena Williams aims to claim her fifth title in Rome

Serena Williams has won the Italian Open title on four occasions, and will battle for her fifth title this year. The American won her first title in Rome in 2002, when she defeated Justine Henin. Her last title came in 2016, where she defeated Madison Keys in straight sets in the finals.

Serena Williams will face Nadia Podoroska of Argentina in the second round of the Italian Open. Podoroska is a dangerous player on clay-courts, and announced herself on the big stage, after reaching the semifinals of the French Open last year.

Serena Williams has a tough draw in front of her, as she is the same quarter as Naomi Osaka. The duo are expected to battle in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open. If she does get past the quarterfinals, Serena can set up a potential clash with Simona Halep.

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