Serena Williams Eyes Return for US Open After Injury

Serena Williams hints at a potential return to the US Open amidst injury recovery and speculation about her participation in singles and doubles.

Serena Williams’ possible return to the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium for the US Open this year is stirring excitement among tennis fans. Having last played in the tournament in September 2022, there are increasing whispers that she may make her long-awaited return to the Flushing Meadows courts.

Recently, the United States Tennis Association announced seven of the eight wild cards awarded for the upcoming 2026 US Open women’s singles draw. The last slot remains “To be announced,” leading to speculation that Williams could be a surprise addition to the field.

Williams’ coach, Rennae Stubbs, commented shortly after her Wimbledon appearance, stating that Williams “intention is to keep playing; the US Open as well.” This statement came in the wake of Williams suffering a right knee injury at Wimbledon during her singles match against Maya Joint, forcing her to withdraw from planned doubles matches alongside her sister, Venus.

“As long as physically she can go – and I’m hoping in a few weeks that’s the case – to get her back on the court and hitting balls,” Stubbs added in mid-July, emphasizing Williams’ desire to compete if her health allows it.

This week, the comeback tour continued as Williams returned to the court at The Cincinnati Open in Mason, Ohio, where she played in doubles with Venus. Despite a loss to opponents Peyton Stearns and Marta Kostyuk—6-2, 1-6, 10-8 in the first round—Williams expressed joy in teaming up with her sister again for the first time since the last US Open.

“I thought it was fun. I thought it was special,” Williams shared about the experience. “We kicked off a little rust in the middle of the match and just, you know [were] starting to feel it. I didn’t come out here to win this tournament. Winning is obviously great. But in this position just, you know, having fun. It was really cool to be able to do this again.”

While the sisters are set to compete together again in doubles at the US Open, Williams’ participation in singles remains uncertain. The singles draw will be held on Thursday, August 27.

Having initially stepped away from competitive tennis after the 2022 US Open, Williams made headlines earlier this June with her return, only participating in doubles initially. Her acceptance of a wild card to play singles at Wimbledon saw her face off against Joint, where she lost in the first round with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (6), 3-6.