Australian Open chief Craig Tiley has expressed his belief that Serena Williams will be on her best behaviour when she arrives in Melbourne in the new year.

The American was defaulted from her last Grand Slam, the US Open, after launching a foul-mouthed tirade at a line judge during her semi-final clash with Kim Clijsters.

Williams was given a record £53,000 fine and a suspended three-year ban from Flushing Meadows this week for her indiscretion, plus the threat of a further financial penalty for reoffending at a major.

However, Tiley, the head of Tennis Australia, explained that he is not expecting a repeat performance from the world number one at the first Grand Slam of the 2010 season.

"We've had no problems with Serena. She's been a great champion, she's supportive of what happens with the Australian Open," he said.

"She has said this is one of her favourite places to play and the fans of Australia, we do love watching Serena, so having her in January is great."

Williams will be aiming for a fifth Australian Open title but even if she succeeds, she will be some distance behind the all-time record of 11 wins, set by the great Margaret Court.