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World No. 8 Serena Williams plans to play Roland Garros, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

The Frenchman told *L'Equipe* that Williams will play a warm-up event, probably in Rome, before the Paris major. The 39-year-old will begin her clay training this week at the Mouratoglou Academy in Nice.

Williams will be chasing a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title, but has not won a major since returning to tour from having her first child. She was defeated by eventual champ Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open semifinals, her most recent tournament appearance.

But Mouratoglou pointed to her form in Australia as a signal that she is still competitive at the highest level.

"In Australia, everyone saw that she was very sharp. Since having her daughter, this was her best moment," he said.

At last year's rescheduled French Open in September, an Achilles injury forced the American to withdraw prior to her second-round match with Tsvetana Pironkova.

Mouratoglou: Serena Williams will play Rome ahead of Roland Garros

Mouratoglou: Serena Williams will play Rome ahead of Roland Garros