Serena fit for Sydney despite hamstring injury

MEDIBANK International organizers remain ultra-confident Serena Williams will be fit to play in Sydney despite the world No.2 withdrawing from the Hopman Cup with a hamstring injury. The start date of the Medibank International is January 11 (two days after the Hopman Cup final) although as top seed, Williams' first match will be a couple of days later.

Tournament director Craig Watson has been in contact with Williams' agent in the past 24 hours and says he is "100 per cent" confident the American will be available. Williams sustained the injury at the year-ending WTA Championships. "I've got no concerns about her coming to Sydney and playing," Watson said. "She is 100 per cent certain ... just the one event before the Australian Open will probably do her nicely. I suspect her camp are being a little cautious to give it as much time as they can." Watson is also in the process of securing Venus Williams to the tournament to pair with younger sister Serena in doubles. -- by By Nikki Tugwell (FOXSports.com)