Serena Williams plans US Open appearance if healthy, coach says

Serena Williams' coach stated Tuesday that the 44-year-old intends to compete at the US Open next month if physically able. "Her intention is to keep playing; the US Open as well," Rennae Stubbs said at Wimbledon. Williams lost in the first round of singles at the All England Club, her first singles match since 2022.

She injured her right knee during the three-set loss and later withdrew from a doubles match.

Injury and recovery timeline Williams posted images on social media showing fluid drained from her knee. Stubbs said recovery depends on physical condition in the coming weeks. "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 said.

Main-draw singles play at the US Open begins in August. Williams indicated after her Wimbledon loss that more information would follow.

Practice and preparation Williams practiced at a Florida club earlier this year.

Bob Bryan told The Associated Press that she had multiple rackets strung, indicating preparation. "Hopefully she gets healthy and can make a run this summer," Bryan said. Stubbs said Williams plans to play additional singles matches before the US Open, depending on her physical condition.

The hard courts at the US Open, where Williams has won six singles titles, may offer better stability than grass.