Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, returned to Flushing Meadows on Saturday, but this time she was there to watch, not to play.
She wore a denim skirt similar to the one she wore in New York back in 2004.
This was Williams’ first visit to the U.S. Open since 2022, when she played in what was her final tournament. She reached the third round then before losing to Ajla Tomljanovic.
While Williams didn’t officially announce her retirement, she described her departure from professional tennis as “evolving.”
Since then, she has stayed busy with various activities, including pursuing business ventures, signing a book deal, producing a documentary series currently airing on ESPN, and hosting the ESPYS. She also gave birth to her second daughter a year ago.
At 42, Williams has won six singles titles at the U.S. Open, tying her with Chris Evert for the most titles at this tournament.
On her visit, Williams watched from a suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium as No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner won his third-round match against Chris O’Connell.
She also visited the grounds, watched American Tommy Paul’s match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, and stopped by the players’ gym to chat with current women’s No. 1, Iga Swiatek, who was scheduled to play that night.
Caroline Wozniacki, a close friend of Williams and 2018 Australian Open champion, playfully remarked after advancing to the fourth round that she was disappointed not to see Williams in the Grandstand seats.
