Ready to open up her 2014 campaign at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, Venus Williams sat down with reporters and stated that she is as fit and healthy as she has been in years.

First diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome during the 2011 US Open, Williams took several months off before returning to the Sony Open in March the following year, and has taken time on and off in order to allow her body to properly recover each time.

But now, the 33-year-old, who won her last title in Luxembourg in October 2012, says that “the other day I dreamed I had a win [in Auckland] and I woke up and realized I hadn't even played a round. I hope to go round by round and at least get to the finals – that would be awesome.”

The seven-time Slam winner says she has been working hard during the offseason and has another goal in mind.

“I feel like I'm coming into the season as fit and healthy as I have in many years, so for me, that's exciting and I have a positive outlook. My goal is to be like Serena Williams!”