Serena 'feeling better', talks Barty, generational clash of Venus and Gauff at Wimbledon

LONDON, Great Britain - Twenty-three time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams says she's 'feeling better' on the eve of the major tournament she's won seven times.

She opens her campaign for another title at the All-England Club on Tuesday, as she faces Italian qualifier Giulia Gatto-Monticone in her first match since losing to compatriot Sofia Kenin in the third round in Paris.

Williams has been plagued by a knee injury for much of this season, and comes into Wimbledon having played just five events this year, but proclaimed herself on the mend when she met with the media for a traditional pre-tournament press conference on Saturday.

"I was dealing with some bad injuries all year. I just haven't had enough match play, quite frankly. I finally feel like I found some good results in Paris. I stayed there. I saw some good doctors. Yeah, I'm feeling better," she said.

"Obviously, I haven't had the best time and preparation that I normally would have. I've had a good week and a half, but I have been really just mentally training, physically training for that time here. I'm just going to do the best that I can now that I'm here.

"I started in Birmingham [timing-wise] for training. I've had that time to train. I've had Birmingham and Eastbourne to train. First day obviously is not super fast. I just did like 30 minutes on court.

"Each day my body, thank God, is really quick to learn. It learns really fast. Each day is a lot more. By day four I was full in with a couple hours, not including gym sessions."

Still looking to win her 24th Grand Slam title, the No.11 seed will need to make her way through what's turned out to be a historic top quarter of the women's draw, featuring seven Grand Slam singles champions, five former World No.1s and four former Wimbledon winners. 

Read more: 'Group of Death' in Wimbledon draw sets Serena, Kerber on collision course

"I can't go into Grand Slams thinking about records. I just have to go in a Grand Slam and think about just the first match. If I get that, I think about the next match. If I'm in the final, try to win one for once. That's kind of what I think about."

In the top quarter, Williams could be on course for a 2018 semifinal rematch against No.18 seed Julia Goerges in the third round, before a championship rematch against her conquerer and defending champion Angelique Kerber could await in the round of 16.

From there, a match against top seed and French Open champion Ashleigh Barty could await in the quarterfinals. 

"I don't know anyone that has anything negative to say about [Barty]. She's like the sweetest, cutest girl on tour. She's so nice. She has the most beautiful game, such classic shots. I mean, she does everything right. Her technique is, like, flawless," Williams said, completmentary of the newly-minted World No.1.

"Obviously I'm happy for her. Yeah, it's good. It's good for her. I think she has a great game. I think, like, she's really even-tempered. She's just really chill. I feel like she's just so relaxed in a way.

"She's had a solid year, as well. It's not just the French Open. She won Miami. She's had a really good year."

While the 37-year-old American could be set for a meeting with the 23-year-old Barty at this tournament, it's another match between generational talents that's also gotten her attention.

Fifteen-year-old American Cori Gauff, a qualifying wildcard who won three matches to make her Grand Slam main draw debut, will face Venus Williams in the first round.

"Cori is such an exciting young player. She's so cool. She's a great girl. I love her dad. There's just really cool people," Williams said.

"It's a great moment for her and for Venus. It's going to be a big moment for Venus, as well. She's playing against a player that actually reminds me of Venus, the way kind of her body and everything.

"I know that they both want to win obviously and go to the next round. I think it will be really important for both of them. It will be a good match. I think I might, might watch. I always get nervous watching Venus.

"She's such a fantastic young lady. She works very hard. Every time I have work, I see her out there working, training, her and her dad.

"It reminds me of the time where I was out there with my dad. I can't help but look inside of myself and be proud and be happy for her."