Serena Williams treads carefully as she prepares for Australian Open in Brisbane... as she reveals fears over ankle injury

She recently revealed her fears over injuring her ankle again ahead of her first match at the 2014 Australian Open.

And on Monday, Serena Williams appeared to be taking things slowly as she practiced with her trainer Patrick Mouratoglou in Queensland, Australia.
Serena has already had a fantastic 2013 season, once again becoming the world No. 1 player.

Getting her game on: Serena Williams, 32, gets back into action at a practice session during the 2014 Brisbane International on Monday

But the tennis star has revealed that she's nervous about repeating her ankle injuries that have set her back the last few times she has played in Australia.

'I thought about it (at home in Florida during the off season) because I have steps in my room,' Serena revealed on Sunday, talking about injuring herself in Queensland two years ago.

'I thought, 'Gosh, I'm going to tip over these steps. I'm going to tape my ankles extra tight for the next four weeks.'

Perfectionist: Serena appeared to be taking things slowly as she practiced with her trainer Patrick Mouratoglou in Queensland, Australia

Facing her fears: The 32-year-old player recently spoke about her concerns that she might injure her ankle again this season

At her best: Serena is training hard for her performance at the 2014 Australia Open next month

Injury: Serena spoke about suffering two previous injuries to her ankle on Sunday

'If I can get a year without twisting my ankle I think I'll be good to go.'

Meanwhile, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova bounced back from her recent injury as she beat Caroline Garcia in the first round of the Brisbane International on Monday.

Maria - who has not played since her shoulder injury in August - beat Caroline 6-3, 6-0 in an impressive 64 minutes at Pat Rafter Arena.

'I think I was just really determined to get back on the court, it's been a while,' she said.

Adding: 'It's been four months I believe now. It was a big step for me. It was a big step to come and a big step to play out there tonight.'

Hitting hard: Russian player Maria Sharapova plays a shot during her first round match against Caroline Garcia of France at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane

Winner! Maria waves to the crowd as she celebrates victory after her match against Caroline Garcia of France during day two of the 2014 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Centre