Serena Williams claims Australian Open delay has helped with achilles recovery

• I needed the time,' says 39-year-old following practice victory
• Katie Boulter the only British winner in other warm-up events

Serena Williams has revealed she may not have been able to play the Australian Open had it not been delayed due to Covid-19.

The 23-time grand slam singles champion withdrew prior to her second-round match at the French Open last October with an achilles injury she suffered at the US Open, and the problem took longer than expected to heal.