Serena, Federer optimistic about playing in Australian Open

London, Jan 9 (ANI): Serena Williams and Roger Federer are both optimistic about playing in the Australian Open.

According to The Herald Sun, Williams hit the practice court in at Melbourne Park today despite a worrying scare over an ankle injury.

Pictures of Williams practising today showed her wearing tape on the back of her left leg and a bandage around her ankle.

Williams rolled her ankle late in her second-round victory over Bojana Jovanovski at the Brisbane International. But before leaving Queensland, the 13-time grand slam champion gave every indication she would be fine to make her first Open appearance since landing her fifth crown two years ago.

"I'm doing everything to heal up and win from within," tweeted the former world No.1, who was also positive about her chances after suffering the injury.

Meanwhile, Federer has said he is optimistic he will be fit for the Open after pulling out of his Qatar semi-final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Federer, who will remain in the Middle East before flying to Melbourne midweek, played two matches with the problem before deciding not to risk it further.

"Although it's not very good it's not crazy bad. I feel that without play and with the right treatment, I will get through it in the next few days," he said. (ANI)