Wimbledon women's champion Serena Williams has targeted "early summer" as her return date following emergency surgery for a blood clot on her lung. She is recuperating at home under medical supervision after suffering a haematoma following treatment last week for a blockage of the pulmonary artery by a blood clot. In a statement, the 29-year-old said it had been a "hard, scary" experience. "While I can't make any promises now on my return, I hope to be back by early summer," she added. "That said, my main goal is to make sure I get there safely." It means that the race is on for her to be fit for the French Open at Roland Garros from 22 May to 5 June. Failing that the next target would be the defence of her Wimbledon title, with the championships starting on 20 June and running to 3 July. A spokeswoman for Williams said that the player had suffered the embolism last week and that the haematoma was "another unexpected scare". "Thankfully everything was caught in time," the spokeswoman continued. "With continued doctor visits to monitor her situation, she is recuperating at home under strict medical supervision." Williams added: "Thank you everyone for all of your prayers, concerns, and support. This has been extremely hard, scary, and disappointing. "I am doing better, I'm at home now and working with my doctors to keep everything under control. "I know I will be ok, but am praying and hoping this will all be behind me soon." Former world number one Williams has not played competitively since winning Wimbledon in July 2010. The American has been unable to compete after cutting her foot on glass in a restaurant when celebrating her Wimbledon triumph. According to spokesperson Nicole Chabot in an interview with People magazine, Williams underwent emergency treatment for a haematoma she suffered "as a result of treatment for a more critical situation". Chabot explained that Williams, a former world number one, was discovered to have been suffering from a pulmonary embolism following her return to Los Angeles. "She had been in New York for doctor appointments for the ongoing issues with her foot," added Chabot. Williams can count four Wimbledon titles among her 13 Grand Slam victories, making her the sixth most successful Grand Slam player in women's tennis history. She has won all four of the world's major tournaments - the US, French and Australian Opens and Wimbledon - and also won a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Belgium's Kim Clijsters and the WTA were quick to wish the Wimbledon champion a speedy recovery. "We are very heartened to hear that despite the serious medical situation that she had to deal with, Serena is now recovering and on the road to full health and a possible return to professional tennis in early summer," said the WTA in a statement. "Serena is a champion on and off the court, and we along with her millions of fans around the world wish her a speedy recovery." Credit: BBC