Serena excited about playing in India

Newly-crowned Australian Open champion Serena Williams is heading to India for her next tournament and says she can't wait to visit the country for the first time.

Williams, who won her eighth Grand Slam by beating world number one Maria Sharapova against the odds on Saturday, said she will play the Bangalore Open from February 12-18.

"I'm supposed to go to India next, Bangalore, the Sony Ericsson there," she said.

"I'm so excited. I've never been to India. I heard a lot about it. I'm really looking forward to going there. For some reason, I'm really happy to go there.

"I'm going to India, then Dubai, a couple tournaments after that."

Williams came into the Australian Open ranked 81 in the world but her success in Melbourne has sent her rocketing to 14.

Mara Santangelo of Italy is the defending Bangalore Open champion.

Local hope Sania Mirza will also play in the hardcourt tournament.