Serena Williams has stunned fans after posting a photo of her own custom built tennis court, which has been confirmed as a replica of the US surface.
The tennis world erupted when Williams added the Western & Southern Open to her upcoming hard-court schedule in a clear indication that she’ll be playing at the US Open.
Williams will also play the Canadian Open in Toronto.
It will be the first time since 2015 that Williams will play both events.
Fans were thrilled to see the 23-time grand slam champion putting in a full schedule ahead of an anticipated US Open return.
And in an even bigger hint that she will be returning to Flushing Meadows, Williams posted a photo of a training court at her home.
The court resembled that of a US Open surface.
And her husband, Alex Ohanian, confirmed on social media that he built the replica so Williams can practice during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Serena out there for another 9 AM practice. Let’s go @serenawilliams you got this Queen! BTW is this the court @alexisohanian had built during COVID? pic.twitter.com/mXPQKQGjKF
— Bence (@hBencee) July 21, 2022
Serena out there for another 9 AM practice. Let’s go @serenawilliams you got this Queen! BTW is this the court @alexisohanian had built during COVID? pic.twitter.com/mXPQKQGjKF
— Bence (@hBencee) July 21, 2022
“Yes. Official US Open surface, too,” he replied.
The move would have been aimed at handing Williams a boost when returning to New York.
Williams has won the US Open six times, her first in 1999, but is clearly eager for that record-equaling 24th grand slam title.
Serena made her singles return at Wimbledon after a 12-month absence from the tour following an injury she suffered at the All England Club in 2021.
Unfortunately, the tennis icon lost in the first round to Harmony Tan at Wimbledon.
Williams was also coy on what her future held in tennis.
But, the 40-year-old reminded reporters that the US Open obviously holds a special place in her heart.
“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,” she added.
“There’s definitely lots of motivation to get better and to play at home.”
Williams will be relying on wildcard entries into US tournaments considering she has dropped to World No.399.
Venus Williams to join Serena in Toronto
Tennis fans were also delighted to see Venus join her sister Serena at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto after accepting a wildcard.
The American star will compete in Toronto for the first time since 2019 and return to WTA Tour singles play for the first time since August last year.
Venus hasn’t played a singles match since she lost to Hsieh Su-Wei in the first round at the Chicago Women’s Open nearly 12 months ago.
Serena Williams has now entered Cincinnati in addition to Toronto ahead of the US Open.
The last time Serena played in both Canada and Cincinnati? 2015 as she prepared for her grand slam attempt. A few things have happened since then.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) July 19, 2022
However, fans may get to see both Williams sisters at the same event since 2015.
Venus also surprised tennis fans when she made an appearance at Wimbledon, before entering the mixed doubles competition with Jamie Murray.
The pair lost in the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.
