Video: Serena To Open 2016 With Hopman Cup Return

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Video: Serena To Open 2016 With Hopman Cup Return

Serena Williams will launch her 2016 season at the Hopman Cup in Perth—and set the stage for a major doubles return.

The world No. 1, who pulled the plug on her 2015 season following her upset loss to Roberta Vinci in the US Open semifinals, will partner 2014 Wimbledon doubles champion Jack Sock to lead Team USA.

Video: Serena Seeks Serenity Now

The eight-team Hopman Cup is set for January 3-9th at the Perth Arena.

A year ago, Williams and John Isner reached the Hopman Cup final, falling to Agnieszka Radwanska and Jerzy Janowicz.

“Perth definitely started something quite amazing so I think it’s only natural and fair and reasonable that I go back to Perth,” said Williams. “We were so close to winning last year. I’m really excited to be back."

The 21-time Grand Slam champion's mixed doubles partnership with Sock should serve as a prelude to her Grand Slam doubles return partnering sister Venus in the Australian Open doubles. The Williams sisters are expected to join forces in Grand Slam doubles competition as part of their preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

“For me the Hopman Cup is super great preparation for the Australian Open," Serena said. "In 2016 I want to play doubles in Australia so it will be really exciting for me to get there, play some doubles and get some little experience at the Hopman Cup.”

Australian Open finalist Andy Murray will partner Heather Watson to lead Great Britain. Gael Monfils and Caroline Garcia will join forces for France.

2016 Hopman Cup Field

Australia Gold: (No. 296) Lleyton Hewitt and (112) Casey Dellacqua

Australia Green: (30) Nick Kyrgios and partner to be named

Czech Republic: (9) Lucie Safarova and (40) Jiri Vesely

France: (21) Gael Monfils and (35) Caroline Garcia

Germany: (30) Sabine Lisicki and (83) Alexander Zverev

Great Britain: (2) Andy Murray and (54) Heather Watson

Ukraine: (21) Elina Svitolina and (35) Alexandr Dolgopolov

United States: (1) Serena Williams and (32) Jack Sock

Photo credit: Hopman Cup

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