Serena Williams plans singles comeback ahead of potential US Open return
Serena Williams intends to play a singles tournament ahead of a potential US Open return as she recovers from a recent knee injury.
The 44-year-old American superstar is widely expected to compete at Flushing Meadows when the final major of the year begins on August 23.
Her participation ultimately hinges on fully recovering from a physical issue sustained during her Wimbledon first-round exit last week.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion suffered a narrow 3-6 7-6 (6) 6-3 defeat against Maya Joint, an opponent 24 years her junior.
Coach confirms desire to compete
That knee injury subsequently forced the former world number one to withdraw from the Wimbledon doubles event she was scheduled to play alongside her sister Venus.
Prior to arriving at the All England Club as a wild card, the veteran had only competed in grass-court doubles events at Queen’s and Berlin.
However, her coach Rennae Stubbs has confirmed that the tennis icon wants more competitive singles match practice before heading to New York.
“Her thoughts are to try and keep going,” Stubbs said.
“It’s all up to her, and we assess everything that she wants to do now and based on what she wants to do.”
Physical recovery remains the priority
Stubbs noted that despite the legendary player having extensive family and business commitments to consider, her primary goal remains to continue playing.
The coaching team believes additional matches would have significantly benefited the American ahead of her brief Wimbledon appearance.
“If you had seen one thing about what we witnessed out there, it is how well she can still serve and how well she can still hit the ball,” Stubbs added.
“It’s completely up to her and physically how she’s feeling, and we know that the knee has to settle down.”
There are significant hard-court tournaments scheduled in Toronto and Cincinnati during the crucial build-up to next month’s Grand Slam.
“I know that for her, trying to play certainly something before the US Open will be something she would like to do,” Stubbs concluded.