Serena puts career on hold; promises late-summer comeback

May 3, 2006, 23:01 GMT

Serena Williams. © Glenn Harris / Photorazzi

Los Angeles - As speculation about her intentions of playing tennis increases, former world number 1 Serena Williams said Wednesday she will be taking time away from the game before making a return this summer.

In a statement telling released through a Los Angeles public relations company that represents 'actors, filmmakers, television programmes and feature films,' Williams denied her career is done.

'I know that there has been a lot of public speculation about me and my playing career,' said the American, who has not played since losing in the third round of the Australian Open in January.

'I want everyone to know that I will be back on the tennis court and that I fully intend to be competing on the WTA Tour in the coming months.

'These past months have been very frustrating for me personally, as I have had to take this time off to fully mend from a chronic knee injury.'

Williams, whose interest in an acting career have never been far from the surface, said that doctors tell her she should be playing again 'by the end of this summer.'

The seven-time Grand Slam champion added: 'I'm more excited than ever to resume my playing career as soon as my body is ready.'

Williams also took nine months off in July 2003, after winning Wimbledon, undergoing knee surgery.

She returned in March 2004 with a win at the Miami tournament.

The inactive player has been a staple for gossip columnists with her attendance at various film premieres and Hollywood parties.

Her sister Venus, also missing from the game since the start of the year, is currently playing in Warsaw on clay, where she won her first match of the season after last competing in mid-January.