Serena excited for Thursday's return at Indian Wells

Serena Williams returns to the WTA Tour on Thursday after a 14-month absence when she competes in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Calif.

Williams gave birth to a daughter in September and hasn't played a professional singles match since winning the Australian Open in January 2017.

She didn't qualify for a first-round bye so she will face Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan in a first-round match on Thursday night at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Williams, 36, expressed excitement over her return in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

"It's official. My comeback is here," Williams wrote. "This Thursday I will start playing tennis again professionally for the first time since giving birth to my daughter. This whole month I am playing tournaments in California and Florida- both my home states.

"Thursday, the day I play my very first match, marks international women's day. My comeback could not have come on a better day."

Williams, who has won 23 Grand Slam titles, played in just one Fed Cup doubles match during her absence. That match was last month.

While she has missed tennis, Williams has enjoyed her new status in life as a mom.

"It's definitely better than I could have ever imagined," Williams said. "I never thought much about it, but it's better than any thoughts I could have had."

Williams recently detailed that she suffered blood clots after the birth of daughter Alexis and was bedridden for six weeks.

--Field Level Media