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Serena Williams shuts down reporter after touchy question

Serena Williams offered a very frosty response when questioned about a touchy subject that refuses to go away.

In a ruthless start to her quest for a historic 24th career major, Williams cast sentiment aside to sweep past good friend, neighbour and fellow tennis mum Tatjana Maria 6-0 6-2 on Tuesday.

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Decked out in a new bottle-green fitted playsuit which she described as a “Serena-tard”, Williams was playing her first grand slam match since last year’s US Open final meltdown.

But after being penalised for illegal coaching before losing to Naomi Osaka in New York, Williams was in no mood to discuss the prospect of on-court coaching being introduced when asked in her post-match press conference.

Serena was in no mood to discuss the controversy. Image: Australian Open
Serena was in no mood to discuss the controversy. Image: Australian Open

When asked whether she had discussed on-court coaching with Patrick Mouratoglou, and whether she agreed with him that it should be allowed, she replied: “I, like, literally have no comment.”

The match was the American superstar’s first on RLA since beating older sister Venus, also a Tuesday winner, while pregnant in the 2017 final.

“It was nice to be back out there. Last time I was out there was a great moment. Especially internally for me, it was even a better moment,” Williams said.

“It was literally the best win of my career.”

Serena Williams in action. (Photo by PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
Serena Williams in action. (Photo by PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

But, as much as she savoured her return, Williams didn’t want to leave 16-month-old daughter Olympia waiting much more than the 49 minutes it took to see off the German.

“Spending a lot of time with my daughter, that’s the priority for me,” said the former world No.1.

“As a working mum, I feel guilty. And I understand that that’s normal, but these are years I’ll never get back.

“I just try to spend every moment that I can when I’m not working with her.”

with AAP