Venus Williams eager to build on unprecedented Australian Open run

Venus Williams is scheduled to return to the court just days after her appearance in the final of the Australian Open. The world No. 11 is playing this week's event in St. Petersburg for the first time in her career.

Williams decided to play the tournament despite her Grand Slam run, and said she is eager to return to competition.

"At this point, I can't wait," she told local reporters in St. Petersburg. "Of course, it was a privilege to be in the Australian Open final … But I always planned to come here."

The 36-year-old has played many of the WTA tournaments during her nearly 23 years on tour, but St. Petersburg will be a new stop for the seven-time Grand Slam champion.

"This is a place I want to be, and have always wanted to visit because of the historic value, and because it's a beautiful city," she said. "I know this tour pretty well, and no tournament can escape my glance."

Williams plays Kristina Mladenovic in her opening round.