Serena Williams battling knee injury in Perth

02:33 - 04 January 2016

___4229140___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4229140___2016___1___4___11___serenawilliams-cropped_i6w85pu8orkrzmtau3zqumf8

World number one Serena Williams is battling an early-year knee injury, withdrawing from United States' Hopman Cup tie on Monday.

The 21-time grand slam champion was due to face Elina Svitolina in Perth as United States take on Ukraine in their Group A opener.

But an inflamed knee led to Williams being replaced by Victoria Duval, although the 34-year-old is confident of featuring on Tuesday.

"I had every intention to play this morning," she said.

"Unfortunately, due to inflammation in my knee, I need to rest. I am confident to be out there against Australia Gold tomorrow evening."

Williams is eyeing a seventh Australian Open title this month and her injury comes as a blow to her preparations, just a fortnight out from the start of the year's first grand slam.