Serena Williams will return to tennis in Abu Dhabi this week, almost four months after giving birth.

The 36-year-old American will play world number seven Jelena Ostapenko in an exhibition match this weekend during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

Williams, who has won an Open‑era record 23 Grand Slams, said she was "delighted to be returning to the court".

Meanwhile, Australian Open director Craig Tilley has said Williams is "very likely" to defend her title at the 2018 tournament, which starts on 15 January.

Ranked 22nd in the world, she would not need a wildcard.

Source: BBC