(Photograph: Christopher Polk/Selection by way of Getty Photos)
July 9, 2026
Serena Williams plans to return for the upcoming U.S. hard-court season
Serena Williams plans to return for the upcoming U.S. hard-court season earlier than the US Open whereas managing her companies. Williams, 44, injured her proper knee throughout her opening-round singles loss to Maya Joint at Wimbledon. She withdrew from doubles along with her sister, Venus Williams. Her crew confirmed she doesn’t plan to retire.
“Her ideas are to attempt to maintain going,” Williams’ coach, Rennae Stubbs, instructed reporters at Wimbledon. “She’s bought lots of issues to contemplate, her household, her companies. However her purpose is to maintain going.” In a press release on social media, Williams shared, “I really feel a duty to point out my daughter and younger athletes in all places that setbacks might be overcome.”
In accordance with Tennis365, Williams is getting ready a full singles schedule for the US Open beginning Aug. 23. She might search wildcard entries at WTA 1000 occasions such because the Canadian Open in Toronto and the Cincinnati Open.
Williams’ profession holds important cultural and financial significance for the African American group. As probably the most profitable Black athletes, she has damaged obstacles in a historically white-dominated sport. Her presence challenges narratives about getting old, motherhood, and athletic longevity for Black ladies. Past her achievements, Williams mentors younger athletes by way of applications just like the Yetunde Worth Useful resource Middle and funds scholarships for underrepresented college students. She additionally makes use of her place to advocate for racial and gender equality, motivating the subsequent technology to pursue their targets on and off the courtroom.
Williams has turned her athletic success into monetary energy by way of Serena Ventures, her enterprise capital agency investing in founders from numerous backgrounds. Serena Ventures has backed firms like MasterClass, Not possible Meals, and Andela, supporting trailblazing leaders and driving change throughout industries. Her management in sports activities and enterprise presents a mannequin for financial empowerment and company management throughout the Black group.
Some tennis analysts query the feasibility of her plans. On his podcast, former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski stated Williams’ targets could also be too formidable given her restricted latest play.
“I’d be very stunned if she tries to go play in America on the onerous courts as a result of it’s far more tough to undergo the gamers on the onerous courts,” Rusedski stated, noting that the floor requires sturdy motion and exact shot accuracy.
Stubbs famous onerous courts supply a extra steady footing for Williams’ knee than grass, and it’s the floor on which she has been most profitable. She gained 13 of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles on onerous courts.
Williams addressed her well being on Instagram, sharing updates on her rehabilitation. “The excellent news is my knee shouldn’t swell or accumulate that a lot fluid once more,” she wrote. She expressed disappointment about lacking Wimbledon doubles however stays constructive about her restoration.
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In accordance with Individuals, medical doctors are monitoring her progress. If her rehabilitation proceeds as deliberate, Williams intends to companion with Venus Williams within the US Open doubles draw.
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