Serena Williams is eight months' pregnant and about to face the biggest challenge of her life, but the superstar's mind has already cast forward to January and a possible return in time for the Australian Open.
In a cover interview with Vogue in the US, Williams said she had been intently following the action on the court in her absence, and had begun preparations for a comeback.
"It's the most outrageous plan," Williams said.
"I just want to put that out there. That's like, three months after I give birth.
"I'm not walking anything back, but I'm just saying that's pretty intense."
Williams said she had kept up a cardio routine and had been staying in the best shape possible throughout her pregnancy, and struggled to pull herself away from the TV while Wimbledon was on.
"I learn by watching. Or I watch old matches of myself on the Tennis Channel," she said.
"I hit amazing shots, and these girls are running them down and hitting winners, and I'm beginning to see why.
"It's because I have patterns."
Williams, perhaps the greatest tennis player of all time, remains as competitive as ever and is determined to return to her best.
And she said she would not accept anything less, even if it meant ending her career.
"In this game you can go dark fast. If I lose, and I lose again, it's like, 'she's done'," she said.
"Especially since I'm not 20 years old.
"I'll tell you this much — I won't win less. Either I win, or I don't play."
