Diamond racket has Venus dreaming in Antwerp

Confident Venus Williams has her heart set on a glittering prize at this week's Antwerp Open.

The elder Williams sister will be allowed to keep the gold and diamond-encrusted racket on offer to the winner of the event if she completes a third Antwerp success after her wins in 2002 and 2003.

"Thinking that I am only four wins away from that racket makes me nervous," the American former world no.1 told reporters.

"I have a cunning plan for that racket. What I intend to do with it, I'd rather keep to myself. Maybe I'll use it to play some finals with."

The 24-year-old has a first-round bye in the tournament. Williams, now ranked eighth in the world after two years disrupted by injury and loss of form, had to withdraw from the tournament last year.

"I was sick but also injured and there was no point for me to come over here to play," she said.