<p>Women's World No.1 Serena Williams has said playing in the Hopman Cup under hot weather conditions here will help her excel in the Australian Open starting Jan 19.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Williams will be in action in the United States of America's (USA) opening Cup tie against Italy at the Perth Arena Monday when temperatures are expected to reach a maximum 41 degrees Celsius.<br /><br />"It's going to help me for Melbourne," Williams was quoted as saying by news.com.au Sunday.<br /><br />"Perth is one of the most hottest places I've ever played, so it will be really good for the preparation in Melbourne, which is always super hot."<br /><br />The 33-year-old admitted at facing difficulty in adjusting to the heat after arriving from an American winter.<br /><br />But Williams says playing and practicing in hot conditions will boost her hopes for the new season's first Grand Slam, which she last won in 2010.<br /><br />"I haven't won in Australia for several years, but there's also a lot of other people who want (to win the title) too. I'll just have to do my best," she said.<br /><br />Willaims also said she is bracing herself for a stiff competition in the new season.<br />"The women's field is excellent here. It's going to be great," Williams said.<br /><br />"More than anything it's a great time to get match play and not get stressed out too much. Usually I'm really stressed (in knockout tournaments), so this will be really good for me."</p>
<p>Women's World No.1 Serena Williams has said playing in the Hopman Cup under hot weather conditions here will help her excel in the Australian Open starting Jan 19.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Williams will be in action in the United States of America's (USA) opening Cup tie against Italy at the Perth Arena Monday when temperatures are expected to reach a maximum 41 degrees Celsius.<br /><br />"It's going to help me for Melbourne," Williams was quoted as saying by news.com.au Sunday.<br /><br />"Perth is one of the most hottest places I've ever played, so it will be really good for the preparation in Melbourne, which is always super hot."<br /><br />The 33-year-old admitted at facing difficulty in adjusting to the heat after arriving from an American winter.<br /><br />But Williams says playing and practicing in hot conditions will boost her hopes for the new season's first Grand Slam, which she last won in 2010.<br /><br />"I haven't won in Australia for several years, but there's also a lot of other people who want (to win the title) too. I'll just have to do my best," she said.<br /><br />Willaims also said she is bracing herself for a stiff competition in the new season.<br />"The women's field is excellent here. It's going to be great," Williams said.<br /><br />"More than anything it's a great time to get match play and not get stressed out too much. Usually I'm really stressed (in knockout tournaments), so this will be really good for me."</p>