Serena ready for battle after four-month layoff

MELBOURNE, Jan 6 (Reuters) Four months off the tour has done nothing to dent the confidence of former world number one Serena Williams.

Despite hovering at a rather lowly 95th in the rankings, Williams is convinced she will quickly regain the form that carried her to seven grand slam titles between 1999 and 2005.

''Absolutely. There's no doubt about it,'' the American told reporters as she prepared to kick off her Australian Open build-up at the Hobart International against Swede Sofia Arvidsson.

''It's just a matter of time. I'm definitely on my way.

''It would be awesome if I could add Hobart to the list of tournaments that I've won.'' She won the last of her 26 trophies at Melbourne Park two years ago before injuries curtailed her schedule.

The 25-year-old, who played only four tournaments in 2006, might also be the only Williams sister to make it to the season's opening grand slam, which begins on Jan. 15.

Her elder sibling Venus remains doubtful with a lingering wrist problem.

If she does end up being the sole family representative at the Open, she delivered an early warning to her rivals.

''I'm feeling really good and I'm hitting the ball pretty solid,'' said Serena.

''The courts here are super-fast and that can only help me.'' REUTERS PM DS1430