09 August 2020

Serena Williams confirms she will play US and French Opens if they go ahead

Serena Williams has revealed she plans to compete at both the US Open and French Open despite many top players opting out of the New York Grand Slam due to coronavirus fears.

World No 1 Ashleigh Barty is among the high-profile stars who have decided against going to the US Open along with Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens.

On the men’s side, Rafa Nadal and Nick Kyrgios have also both stated they will not travel to New York.

Williams will be seeking a seventh US Open singles title (ABACA/PA Images)

The US Open kicks off on the east coast of America on August 31, with the French Open just four weeks later on September 27.

"I see myself doing it all if it happens," she told BBC Sport.

Williams is scheduled to play the WTA Top Seed Open in Lexington, Kentucky next week as she prepares for the New York Slam.

It is one of the first times we’ve heard from Williams since the pandemic began as she kept a low profile for several months.

"I don't have full lung capacity so I'm not sure what would happen to me - I'm sure I would be OK but I don't want to find out," she added.

"I have like 50 masks that I travel with, I'm super, super careful with what I've been doing, and everyone in the Serena bubble is really protected.

"Because at the end of the day it's cool to play tennis, but this is my life and this is my health, so I've been a little neurotic to an extent but that's just what I have to be right now."

Williams has not won a slam since the Australian Open 2017 having lost her last four finals.

If she were to win in New York, she would move level with Australian Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 slam singles titles.

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