Serena Williams plans to extend her tennis comeback to the 2026 US Open, according to coach Rennae Stubbs.
The six-time US Open singles champion returned to competitive play at Wimbledon after nearly four years away but fell to Maya Joint in three sets. A right knee injury during that match then forced her to withdraw from her planned doubles run alongside sister Venus.
Still, Stubbs told reporters at Wimbledon that Williams's goals are clear. "Her intention is to keep playing; the US Open as well," Stubbs said.
But the timeline depends entirely on her body.
Williams's US Open Comeback Hinges on Recovery After Wimbledon
Williams recently shared images on Instagram of fluid drained from her knee after her injury at the All England Club, though she noted the swelling should not recur.
Unlike her Wimbledon prep where she played just two doubles matches beforehand, Williams wants more singles tune-ups this time. Hard-court warmup events in Toronto and Cincinnati could provide that match play.
"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.
Stubbs also believes the surface shift will help. Hard courts offer Williams better stability than grass, and she has long thrived on them. Main draw play at the US Open begins Aug. 30 will the full playing field revealed on Aug. 20.
