Serena Williams made her long-awaited return to tennis in June.
The American superstar, a winner of 23 major singles titles, played her first competitive match since 2022 alongside Victoria Mboko at the Queen’s Club Championships.
Serena then played doubles with Karolina Muchová in Berlin, before embarking on a singles campaign at Wimbledon.
Playing in front of a raucous Centre Court crowd in south-west London, Serena was unable to defeat Australia’s Maya Joint in her first singles match since the 2022 US Open.
If Serena Williams isn’t the greatest tennis player of all time, then who is and why?
It was an impressive performance by the 44-year-old, who was beaten 3-6, 7-6, 3-6 by Joint.
It remains to be seen whether Serena will receive a wildcard for the last Grand Slam of the year: the US Open.
If Serena does receive a wildcard, there is every chance that she could notch another Grand Slam victory.
The movement will be easier at the US Open
The key detrimental component of Serena’s game against Maya Joint was her movement.
On the slick grass surface – particularly at the start of Wimbledon when the grass is less worn on the baseline – movement can be tricky for any player.
Serena certainly struggled with her movement; often finding herself off balance as she attempted to move around the court.
On the US Open’s hard-courts, the issue of movement would be greatly reduced in its impact on Serena.
Hard courts provide much more stable footing than grass, allowing for players to push off the ground with greater force – without the risk of slipping.
The raucous US Open crowd
When it comes to tennis crowds, there are few as fervent as the US Open contingent.
The atmosphere at the event has been nothing short of electric in the past; particularly when an American player is competing.
If able to compete in New York, Serena would be sure to play host to partisan, boisterous crowds inside the US Open grounds.
This crowd support would undoubtedly boost Serena’s chances of winning a match in New York – as she has done on numerous occasions throughout her storied career.
Serena Williams has experience of winning the US Open
Serena is one of the most successful players in US Open history.
The American has won six US Open singles titles; the last being in 2014.
Experience is everything in professional sports: knowing how to navigate high-pressure moments and overcome the highest hurdles becomes easier upon gaining more and more of said experience.
Having participated in some of the most important contests in US Open history, Serena has plenty to call upon; should she compete in this year’s New York event.
