Perth: Women's World No.1 Serena Williams has said playing in the Hopman Cup under hot weather conditions here will help her excel in the Australian Open starting January 19.


Cool: Serena Williams meets Sunshine the koala with handler Steve Gillam from at Kings Park in Perth yesterday. Pic/Getty Images 

Williams will be in action in the United States of America's (USA) opening Cup tie against Italy at the Perth Arena today when temperatures are expected to reach a maximum 41 degrees Celsius. "It's going to help me for Melbourne," Williams was quoted as saying by news.com.au yesterday.