Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have occupied much of the limelight when it comes to recognising the all-time greats who are still on the court.

Serena Williams is comfortably one of the most successful singles players to ever grace the court with 23 Grand Slam titles to her name.

The 35-year-old has won more majors than any male player and sits just one behind Margaret Court at the top of the women’s leaderboard on 23.

Williams has been out of action since January after winning her seventh Australian Open while she was eight weeks pregnant.

The American is due to miss the remainder of the season and the prospect of her not returning to the court has drawn plenty of attention.

Williams is a few weeks shy of turning 36 and roughly a month away from welcoming her first child, stirring up major doubts she could see fit to call time on her playing days.

But her glittering career is one of several incredible records and showing no signs fizzling out, leaving others to believe she isn't done quite yet.

Following months of speculation, it seems tennis fans have a concrete answer at last.

Williams told Vogue: ”Obviously if I have a chance to go out there and catch up with Margaret, I am not going to pass that up.

"If anything, this pregnancy has given me a new power. It's hard to figure out what the end of your tennis career should look like.

"I used to think I'd want to retire when I have kids, but no. I'm definitely coming back.

"Walking out there and hearing the crowd, it may seem like nothing. But there's no better feeling in the world.”

MORE TO COME

If a response like that doesn't settle the matter once and for all, Williams’ answer to whether she could regret coming back is perhaps even more telling.

"In this game you can go dark fast. If I lose, and I lose again, especially since I'm not 20 years old, I'll tell you this much: I won't win less. Either I win, or I don't play.”

Her retirement would certainly mark the beginning of a more competitive era of women’s tennis, but those looking to put an end to her dominance could be waiting a while longer.

Williams appears to have made up her mind on what 2018 holds for her: more titles.