Serena Williams ready for Dubai test following Australian Open exit

Serena Williams has admitted that she is feeling positive ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships as she prepares to compete in her first tournament since a surprise early exit at the Australian Open.

The world number one was booted out in Melbourne last month in the fourth round by Ana Ivanovic as she struggled with a back problem.

"It feels really good to be getting back to action," Williams told wtatennis.com.

"I just wanted to make sure I had my whole body right. It was definitely important for me to get as much practice as I could before coming to Dubai."

The 32-year-old took a late wild card for Dubai after initially not being included in the draw for the contest.