Chris Evert believes Serena Williams will make a successful return to the game in 2018 and has suggested Wimbledon is her best chance of Grand Slam glory.
Serena returned to the game late last year, playing an exhibition match against Jelena Ostapenko, after giving birth to her first child, Alexis Olympia, in September and marrying Alexis Ohanian. She is schedule to makes her WTA reappearance at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells this week.
After playing in the Fed Cup last month, the 36-year-old is also due to play Tie Break Tens on Monday in New York.
Her final competitive appearance before her maternity break was the Australian Open final at the start of 2017, which she won for her 23rd Grand Slam title. That leaves her one short of Margaret Court's record, and Evert believes she will soon emulate the Australian.
"I just cannot bet against her," Evert, winner of 18 Grand Slam titles herself, told Associated Press. "I'd be surprised if she won two [Slams this year]; I would bet on her to win one.
"Who knows how she'll come out of the starting gate. Wimbledon would be her best shot because that favors power, rewards power and the rallies aren't long. She's got the big serve. The US Open is going to be tough, on a hard court, it's hot. She'll have to be moving well and be very fit."
Evert added: "When you have a child, that's an emotional component that you've never experienced before. I keep saying this — whenever anybody doubts Serena, she thrives. That gives her more motivation, more incentive and she always comes out the winner."
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