Siegemund aiming for spring comeback

Laura Siegemund says she hopes to return from a knee injury in time in time to defend her title in Stuttgart in April.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a superb clay court season, winning her first Premier title in her hometown tournament before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Nuremberg.

She says that the rehabilitation period is now behind her and she is back working on court ahead of a mooted comeback in spring.

“I’m now building up my body,” she told Stuttgarter Nachrichten.

“I’m finally back on the tennis court with a ball. As far as my fitness is developing, I’m right on schedule.

“Days and weeks cannot be quantified because you never know how the knee will react but I’m in a good way.

“I’ll miss the start of the season in Australia. I’ve set the spring as my goal but I don’t want to put pressure on myself and saying this or that tournament.

“I hope I can get some practice before [Stuttgart].”