'The devil': Serena makes desperate plea for baby help

Serena Williams has reached out to her followers on social media for advice on how she can ease baby Alexis Olympia's teething pain.

Serena says watching her baby daughter go through the pain of teething is "breaking her heart".

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and former World No.1 drew sympathetic replies to tweets recently about Alexis Olympia's issues, complete with a photo.

"Teething- aka the devil - is so hard," tweeted Williams. "Poor Alexis Olympia has been so uncomfortable. She cried so much (she never cries) I had to hold her until she fell asleep. I've tried amber beads... cold towels.... chew on mommies fingers.... homeopathic water (lol on that one) but......

"Nothing is working. It's breaking my heart. I almost need my mom to come and hold me to sleep cause I'm so stressed. Help? Anyone??"

Among the advice she received -- "try a wet washcloth for the baby let her chew it."

On Tuesday there was no mention of teething but a photo of the open court, a racquet bag leaning on a stool with towels and a bicycle nearby serving notice that Williams might have found a cure for herself with the next Grand Slam tournament only four weeks away.

The next Australian Open begins on January 15 at Melbourne, which would be barely beyond four months after Williams gave birth to her daughter on September 1.

HE'S BACK: Djokovic locks in pre-Australian Open return

INSPIRATIONAL: Wimbledon champ Bartoli announces tennis comeback

Williams has said she intends to defend the crown she won earlier this year while unknowingly pregnant but has not confirmed any firm plans to play in Melbourne since the birth of her daughter.

Serena previously appealed for advice about breastfeeding on social media.

She wrote on Twitter: "Fellow moms: How long did you breastfeed? Is it weird that I get emotional when I even just think about when it's time to stop? (sic)".

with agencies