Serena Williams has admitted that she is feeling positive ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships as she prepares to compete in her first tournament since a surprise early exit at the Australian Open.

The world number one was booted out in Melbourne last month in the fourth round by Ana Ivanovic as she struggled with a back problem.

"It feels really good to be getting back to action," Williams told wtatennis.com.

"I just wanted to make sure I had my whole body right. It was definitely important for me to get as much practice as I could before coming to Dubai."

The 32-year-old took a late wild card for Dubai after initially not being included in the draw for the contest.