Serena Williams’ comeback continues as she will ‘pop up’ on US soil for first time in nearly two years

WTA Tour

Shahida Jacobs
July 20, 2022

The Serena Williams comeback juggernaut is gathering pace as she has added the Cincinnati Open to her schedule as a warm-up event ahead of the US Open.

After a year on the sidelines due to injury and going “cold turkey of not working out”, the 23-time Grand Slam winner made her competitive return in the doubles in Eastbourne alongside Ons Jabeur in June.

She then made her singles comeback at Wimbledon, but lost in the first round against Harmony Tan.

After her exit from the grass-court Grand Slam she told reporters “who knows where I’ll pop up”, but also indicated that she would love to play at the US Open.

“When you’re at home, especially in New York, and the US Open, that being the first place I’ve won a Grand Slam, is something that’s always super special.

“There’s definitely lots of motivation to get better and to play at home.”

The 40-year-old will be returning home in August as she will play on American soil for the first time since the 2020 US Open after signing up for the Western & Southern Open in Mason, which runs from August 15-21.

Williams is a two-time Cincinnati champion having won the event in 2014 and 2015 and she will go straight into the main draw as she entered the tournament using her protected ranking.

The American last week also confirmed that she will participate in the National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada – starting on August 8.

Serena Williams