I thought I was on deathbed, "Serena Williams"

Serena Williams has said that she thought she was on her "deathbed" after suffering blood clots on her lungs.
The tennis star, who will take part in the Eastbourne Aegon International this week, received medical treatment after suffering a pulmonary embolism and hematoma in March.

In an interview with BBC News marking her return to tennis, she said: "I'm so excited to be back. I was on my death bed at one point - quite literally."

Williams, 29, went on to say that she "didn't appreciate" the seriousness of the condition at first, but soon realised that if she had delayed seeing a doctor it could have meant the end of her career.

"They told me I had several blood clots in both lungs. A lot of people die from that," she said. "It got to the stage where it felt like I could hardly breathe. Some days I didn't get out of bed at all. I just laid on a couch thinking, 'Why has this happened to me?'"

The blood clots are thought to have developed after Williams cut her foot on glass while leaving a restaurant with her nephew and hitting partner and as a result, had restricted mobility for several months.

Williams, who has not played competitively since her Wimbledon win, added that the affliction has given her a "whole new perspective" on her life and career.

She was recently reported to have begun work on a series of rap tracks with Minnesota Viking Bryant McKinnie's record label and producer DJ Clue.

Serena Williams 'injures foot again'

Serena Williams has revealed that she recently injured her foot and will be unable to play tennis during the upcoming season.

The athlete previously underwent surgery after stepping on glass at a German club last summer but recently began training again for an upcoming tournament, during which she hurt herself further.

"Yesterday I learned that I had tried too hard, and did too much too soon," she wrote on her official blog.

"After practising yesterday morning I felt discomfort in my foot and tests by my doctor revealed that I had unfortunately restrained it, as a result of over training."

Williams continued: "I am likely out for the year now... I feel completely heartbroken, and devastated, but knowing I will never be given more than I can handle I plan on coming back stronger and better."

Serena Williams, Common still together?

Serena Williams and Common are reportedly still together despite recent rumours that they had ended their relationship.

It had been reported that the tennis superstar and her musician boyfriend had parted ways because of their busy work schedules.

However, a source has told Gossip Cop that the speculation is untrue and the couple, who have been dating since 2008, are still together.

Williams is currently in Paris playing at the French Open while Common can be seen opposite Queen Latifah in the romantic comedy Just Wright.

Neither has commented on the reports.

Serena Williams, Common split

Serena Williams and Common have split up, according to reports.

The 28-year-old tennis star and 38-year-old singer and actor, who have been dating since 2008, allegedly decided to end their relationship because of their increasingly-busy careers.

A friend of the couple told Us Magazine: "They are two workaholics who couldn't see each other enough. Things happen."

Two weeks ago, Common told Ellen DeGeneres: "Serena and I have been close for about two years. It's been evolving."

He also revealed that he would "love to get married and have kids".