Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, made a triumphant return to the US Open in a new role – as a spectator. The tennis legend was seen at Flushing Meadows sporting a denim skirt reminiscent of her iconic look from 2004. This marked her first appearance at the US Open since 2022, where she played in the final tournament of her illustrious career. Despite reaching the third round in her last showing, Williams shied away from the word ‘retirement,’ opting to describe her departure from professional tennis as an “evolution.”
Since her exit from the competitive circuit, Serena Williams has kept herself busy with a plethora of endeavors. From pursuing her business interests to signing a book deal and releasing a documentary series on ESPN, Williams has showcased her versatility off the court. Additionally, she hosted the ESPYS in July and welcomed her second daughter into the world a year ago. Throughout her career, Williams clinched six singles championships at the US Open, tying her with Chris Evert for the most titles by a female player.
During her recent visit to the US Open, Williams took on the role of a keen observer from the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium. She witnessed Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked male player, secure a straight-sets victory in the third round. Not content with just one match, Williams also made her rounds across the venue, catching American Tommy Paul’s triumph at Louis Armstrong Stadium and engaging in a chat with the current women’s No. 1 player, Iga Swiatek, slated to compete later that evening.
Among the familiar faces at the US Open was Caroline Wozniacki, a close friend of Serena Williams and former World No. 1. After securing a spot in the fourth round, Wozniacki humorously expressed her disappointment at not spotting Williams in the crowd at the Grandstand. Playfully declaring her intent to message Williams about missing her match, Wozniacki’s jest highlighted the camaraderie shared between the tennis greats.
Serena Williams’ return to the US Open as a spectator showcased her enduring presence in the world of tennis. While her playing days may be behind her, Williams continues to captivate audiences with her grace, poise, and unwavering support for the sport she once ruled.
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