Serena Williams sees IPTL as great chance to prepare for next tennis season

MANILA, Philippines – Serena Williams couldn't be happier to take in early dosage of tennis.

Especially with a home crowd rallying behind her.

"It feels good to be back here. Everyone is into the 'Philippine Mavericks,'" she said--with a her fist clenched in a jubilant  manner--shortly after her squad won over the UAE Royals in the eighth match of the multi-city tournament, which stopped by Manila on Sunday.

The winner of the year’s first three Grand Slam events also pointed that out that she wasn't lacking in motivation. Instead, she said she’s making sure she was fully healed heading into the next tennis season.

The American superstar and current World No. 1 in the women's side pulled out in the last two major tournaments she was slated to play in – the Beijing Open and the WTA Finals. The last time she competed was in Flushing Meadows for the US Open.

Williams’ bid to mount a calendar-year grand slam (winning all the tennis major events – the Austrailian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open – of the same year) was foiled by Roberta Vinci. 

But she made it clear before Filipino reporters that she was simply nursing an injury.

"I never lack motivation... I just had to get better and walk without being in pain," Williams said. "I was forced out early. It's an opportunity to get some more tennis in me and it felt really good."

And there was no better testament of getting tennis into her system and enjoying the hometown's support than her stellar play with local hero Treat Huey in the mixed doubles.

"We really play together don't we? We love playing with each other," Williams said.

Williams and Huey lost to the pair of Kristina Mladenovic and Daniel Nestor via a shootout. But it was the only dent the Mavericks had to suffer as they won all the other matches, logging an aggregated team score of 29-18 over the Royals.

"[It was a] wonderful reception last year. And [there's] more of a reception this year," said Williams. "It's fun. That's why I'm here again."

The Mavericks have now regained the lead in the Group Standings after a prolific first day home stand. They were third in the ladder going into the Manila Leg.