Serena returns to US Open — as a fan

Serena Williams set Flushing Meadows abuzz on Saturday as the 23-time major winner appeared at the US Open — as a fan — for the first time since stepping away from tennis two years ago.

The six-time winner dominated New York throughout her career — tied with Chris Evert for the most titles there -and fittingly made an emotional goodbye in Flushing Meadows, when she played her final match against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 tournament.

She's been plenty busy ever since, pursuing her business interests, signing a book deal, putting out a documentary series currently airing on ESPN and, in July, hosting the ESPYS.Williams gave birth to her second daughter a year ago.

She was all smiles and completely at ease on Saturday, as she graced the blue carpet decked out in a denim ensemble, flashing peace signs and smiling for the cameras.

"I feel like, to me, she's always been that upbeat and happy person. Obviously we're all in the zone when we're about to compete, and so that's different when you don't play anymore," said Caroline Wozniacki, Williams' longtime friend.

"But, at the end of the day, I think she's always been, you know, a happy and outgoing person."

Williams was seen chatting with world No 1 Iga Swiatek at the players' gym ahead of the Pole's third-round match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and was later spotted in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she played her final match.

The American watched Italian No 1 Jannik Sinner beat Australian Christopher O'Connell, and American Jessica Pegula get past Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Wozniacki, who included Williams as a bridesmaid in her wedding, won her third-round meeting with French qualifier Jessika Ponchet at the Grandstand and joked that she was "pretty mad" that Williams was not in attendance for her match as well.

"Serena is obviously still very busy. I think when you've been so incredible at something, I think you'll always have the opportunity, you'll always be great at whatever you put your mind to," said Wozniacki.

"I love hanging with her. I love talking to her. You know, I love the support that I get from her, as well."

Agencies