( CNN ) -- She cuts an imposing figure on the tennis court , but Serena Williams has been stepping gingerly as she prepares to back up her stellar 2013 season . The world No . 1 has arrived in Brisbane to begin her preparations for next month 's Australian Open , and she is wary of repeating the successive ankle injuries which have marred her last two campaigns Down Under . The first struck in the Queensland warm-up event two years ago , and then again last January in the opening match in Melbourne -- a factor which contributed to the American 's shock fourth-round defeat by then teenager Sloane Stephens . `` I thought about it ( at home in Florida during the off season ) because I have steps in my room , '' Williams told reporters on Sunday . `` 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 . ' `` If I can get a year without twisting my ankle I think I 'll be good to go . '' Williams overcame both injuries to end 2012 and 2013 as the dominant force in women 's tennis , taking her grand slam haul to 17 titles -- five short of Steffi Graf 's record . Williams ' first opponent in Brisbane will be former world No . 9 Andrea Petkovic , who defeated American Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4 7-5 in Sunday 's opening round . Only four players beat Williams in 82 matches last season , and the German lost their only previous encounter . The Brisbane event will also feature world No . 2 Victoria Azarenka , who beat Williams in an exhibition in Thailand on Saturday , and Maria Sharapova -- making her WTA Tour comeback from a shoulder injury that has sidelined the Russian since August . Caroline Wozniack , another former world No . 1 who is now working with Sharapova 's ex-coach Thomas Hogstedt , has been forced to pull out due to her own shoulder problem but expects to be fit for the following tournament in Sydney . `` Everyone , when they play me , they play pretty much amazing , really unbelievable , '' Williams said . `` I always have to be ready . I ca n't stop . I love competing . So for me , it 's just about motivating myself and trying to reach new goals . '' One of those was relaunching her clothes brand Aneres during her postseason break . `` I was interviewing so many people . Corporate Serena was taking over . I 'm happy to be here right now , '' Williams said . `` Now I can do what I do best . ''
Serena Williams seeking to win Australian Open for sixth time . Her last victory in Melbourne grand slam came in 2010 . World No . 1 will begin her new season against Andrea Petkovic . Caroline Wozniacki pulls out of Brisbane event due to injury .