Serena Williams lends support to Caroline Wozniacki and Iga Swiatek
The six-time US Open champion has been around at Flushing Meadows for the first time since retirement, offering support and advice to current players Wozniacki and Swiatek.
Tennis
Although she retired two years ago, Serena Williams never really left tennis.
The American legend has been spotted at plenty of events on the tour this year, seen front row at the Olympic men’s gold medal match at Paris 2024.
She has also been ever present at the 2024 US Open, her first time back at Flushing Meadows since her retirement. Williams won the US Open six times during her playing career, spanning over 15 years with the joint-most titles the women’s Open Era.
As a fan, Williams has also been lending support to the new leading tennis stars, both from the stands as a fan and up close as a mentor.
Caroline Wozniacki was inspired by the American to come out of retirement in June 2023 after three and-a-half years away.
She said of Williams in the press conference after her third round win over Jessika Ponchet on Sunday (1 September), “I love hanging with her, I love talking to her, I love the support that I get from her, as well. It's nice. I was texting her earlier today and hoping that we'll have time to catch up.
"I think that Serena doesn't get nearly enough credit for getting to so many Grand Slam finals after having Olympia.”
Wozniacki is bidding to reach the US Open quarter-finals for the first time since 2016, where she will face the Brazilian 22nd seed Beatriz Haddad Maia on Monday (2 September).
Caroline Wozniacki and Iga Swiatek faced off this season at Indian Wells; Swiatek won after Wozniacki retired.
Another star benefitting from Williams’ presence is world number one Iga Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion vying to retain her title with the backing of one of tennis’ greats.
Swiatek said after third round victory against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (via Eurosport), "It was really nice to see her. She has a lot of positive energy. It's nice that she came on-site and she was chatting with the players. It was nice that she approached me, because I wouldn't, for sure, find courage to do that.
"Even though we met before and for like a couple of years we have been on the same sides and on tour together, she's still like star-striking for me."