Serena Recovers From Surgery
Wimbledon champion Serena Williams has targeted "early summer" as her return date following emergency surgery on Monday for a blood clot on her lung.
She is recuperating at home under medical supervision after suffering a haematoma following treatment last week for a pulmonary embolism.
In a statement, the 29-year-old said it had been a "hard, scary" experience.
"While I can't make any promises now on my return, I hope to be back by early summer," she added.
"That said, my main goal is to make sure I get there safely."
Former world number one Williams has not played competitively since winning Wimbledon last July.
The American has been unable to compete after cutting her foot on glass in a restaurant when celebrating her Wimbledon triumph, and had only recently stopped wearing a protective boot.
It seems unlikely that she will be fit in time for the French Open, which begins on 22 May, and the defence of her Wimbledon title must be in doubt with the championships starting on 20 June.
A spokeswoman for Williams said that the player had suffered the embolism last week and that the haematoma was "another unexpected scare".
"Thankfully everything was caught in time," the spokeswoman continued. "With continued doctor visits to monitor her situation, she is recuperating at home under strict medical supervision."
Williams added: "Thank you everyone for all of your prayers, concerns, and support. This has been extremely hard, scary, and disappointing.
"I am doing better, I'm at home now and working with my doctors to keep everything under control.
"I know I will be OK, but I am praying and hoping this will all be behind me soon."