American star, Serena Williams confirmed she is fit and prepared for her title defense campaign at the Australian Open that starts on Monday, the Australian Open official website reported on Saturday. Several reports recently have doubted the American's form, especially after she pulled out of her clash with China's Zheng Jie in Hong Kong earlier this month. The reigning Melbourne champion who suffered an injury-hit 2005 season, insists she is all set for the stellar field in Melbourne, despite losing her only warm-up match prior to the Open in Hong Kong. "I haven't read any comments about my fitness. But it's fine because people will think 'she won't be able to run' and that's a great position for me," Williams was quoted as saying by the Australian Open official website. Williams who - except for her sole match in Hong Kong - hadn't played since her first-round exit at the China Open last September, believes that her time away from the field has given her an advantage over her opponents. "I've had more time to prepare this year because I just took time off since October," explained 13th-ranked Williams. "I've had more time to prepare mentally and much more physically." “If I didn't like my chances of winning, I wouldn't be here,” warned the 24-year old ace. Williams faces China's Na Li in her opening match at the Australian Open with a potential quarterfinal encounter with world number four, Maria Sharapova. "There are so many Chinese players right now. Not only are they in the draw, but they are actually doing well. I'm going to have to be really ready for the match. I'm definitely not under-estimating my opponent at all,” admitted Williams. 23-year old Li is ranked 52nd in the world and has never clashed with Williams before.
