Serena, Venus Williams Return to WTA Tour Next WeeK

Serena Williams Former No. 1 Serena Williams was last seen on court
approximately one year ago at Wimbledon, lifting the trophy. Since then her life has been a mix of accidents and illnesses that have combined to sideline the American for approximately 12 months.

Days after winning the 2010 Wimbledon title, she stepped on glass in a German restaurant, severing two tendons in her foot. Two surgeries later she looked on the path to a comeback, until she was rushed to a hospital emergency ward, diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and a stomach hematoma.

The 29-year-old 13-time Grand Slam champion has seen her ranking fall to No. 25 since a year ago. It remains to be seen whether the Wimbledon seeding committee will keep the defending champion's seed in the mid-20s, or more likely elevate her into the Top 5.

The younger Williams sister announced Monday night that she will make her comeback next week on grass at the Aegon International Tournament in Eastbourne, England.

"I am so excited to be healthy enough to compete again," Williams said in a statement. "These past 12 months have been extremely tough and character building. I have so much to be grateful for. I'm thankful to my family, friends and fans for all their support. Serena's back!"

The four-time Wimbledon champ will be joined in Eastbourne by her five-time Wimbledon champ sister Venus, who due to various injuries of her own has not competed since the Australian Open in January