LONDON, UK - Serena Williams says she relishes the pressure of being back in competition - and returning to Wimbledon where she is already a seven-time singles champion.

"I don't think I ever actually lost that competitive side. In fact, I feel like it's stronger, because I've been through so much," the 23-time Grand Slam champion told reporters, reflecting on the birth of her daughter Olympia and the complications she suffered afterwards.

"It definitely surprises me a little, because I thought it would be different. I thought: 'Hey, I have this amazing child. I have all these Grand Slams. This is all super-bonus.' And it is. I definitely feel a lot less pressure out there.

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"But I am a little bit shocked at how much I almost want that pressure. I almost want to feel the need to go out there and be the best that I can be. It's weird, you know. I think it just speaks to who I am as an athlete and who Serena is."

Currently World No.183, Williams is seeded 25th at Wimbledon, which she described as a pleasant surprise.

"I came in here expecting that maybe I wouldn't get a seed," she admitted. "I do know Wimbledon tends to kind of beat to their own drum. That's kind of one thing that's been able to set them apart. It was a little bit in the back of my mind, that I would have a chance."