Serena to open summer hardcourt season in San Jose

Former world No. 1 Serena Williams will start her summer hardcourt season at the WTA tournament Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, which scheduled from July 30 to August 5.

"I am looking forward to opening my summer season at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic and competing in the new venue," the 23-time Grand Slam winner said in as statement on the tournament website.

The tournament, formerly known as the Bank of the West Classic held in Stanford, California, will move to it's new home - San Jose State University this season.

Joining Williams to play in the tournament are five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova of Russia and US Open finalist Madison Keys.

The 36-year-old has pulled out of next week's Italian Open in Rome, which followed his withdrawal from Madrid. Now there are doubts whether she'll play the French Open in Paris from May 27 to June 10.