Serena Williams Plans Return Before US Open, Coach Says

**Serena Williams** told her coach she wants to keep playing, and Rennae Stubbs confirmed on 1 July 2026 that the former world No. 1 hopes to line up a tournament before the US Open, depending on how her body reacts after Wimbledon.

Williams accepted a wildcard into the Wimbledon women’s singles draw and faced Australian Maya Joint in the first round on 27 June 2026. The match stretched to three sets, with Williams ultimately losing 6‑4, 3‑6, 4‑6. The defeat marked her first singles loss since returning after a nearly four‑year hiatus. She also withdrew from the doubles event with sister Venus after a knee issue flared during the singles match.

Stubbs explained that a hard‑court appearance would give Williams a more stable surface than grass, helping her rebuild match fitness. “Getting on the hard court will be a lot more stable for her,” the Australian coach said. Hard courts suit Williams historically; she has seven Australian Open titles and six US Open crowns. A tune‑up event could also ease the transition to the high‑intensity schedule of the North American swing.

Beyond physical readiness, Stubbs noted Williams must juggle family commitments and business interests. “She’s got a lot of things to consider, her family, her businesses,” Stubbs said. Yet the former champion’s stated goal remains clear: to keep going. The coach will leave the final call to Williams and her medical team, but the desire to play before New York is evident.

Williams followed a similar path in 2022, returning at Wimbledon after a year away, then playing the Canadian and Cincinnati Opens before a final Grand Slam appearance at the US Open. That run produced wins over Danka Kovinic and second seed Anett Kontaveit before a three‑set loss to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round at Flushing Meadows. The 2022 US Open was billed as her farewell, yet she surprised fans by returning again in 2026.

If her knee holds up, Stubbs suggests a hard‑court tournament in the lead‑up to the US Open could provide the match practice Williams needs. The exact event remains unnamed, but the North American swing includes stops in Toronto, Cincinnati and other venues that historically serve as warm‑ups for New York. Williams will likely assess her condition during the second week of Wimbledon before committing.

A successful return would add another chapter to a career already defined by 23 Grand Slam titles. Even a modest showing could reinforce her status as a competitor who refuses to step away quietly. Fans and analysts will watch closely as she balances recovery, family life and the business empire built off the court.

**Date:** 1 July 2026-information gathered from statements to reporters during Wimbledon’s second week.

**Source:** Tennis365, quoted by Yardbarker.