Serena Williams teases tennis fans as she says ‘I’m not retired’
Serena Williams has been a mainstay of the tennis world for some 20 years, but is ready to take on her latest task: that of playing professional tennis in the United States.
The 37-year-old four-time champion, who was announced as part of a joint training mission with her sister Venus this week, is currently ranked world No. 1 in the women’s singles.
In pictures: Serena Williams goes pro for USA Read more
A year ago she was making her fifth trip to the U.S. Open, winning all three of her matches in singles and doubles, but this year she has joined Venus as part of what is being called America’s Greatest Camp, which began in July on the same courts used by the Open.
Tournament director Patrick McEnroe is hoping to give the women a taste of what it’s like to be on the tour, which takes place in September and October and the players arrive for 11 days at the U.S. Open about two weeks before the first matches.
There are some high expectations, but McEnroe is expecting the women to enjoy themselves and appreciate the experience.
“We’re trying to make [the camp] a party and a celebration and try to give everybody a great experience,” he said. “The fact is, we’re not making a tennis tournament out of it, but we’re trying to give people hope and try to bring people together.
“I can’t tell you how much I hope the women feel they’ve done that and we can start this whole tennis thing for them.”
McEnroe said both Williams sisters, who are in their early 40s, have a strong desire to win tennis tournaments outside of the U.S.
“I know Serena would love to go to the U.S. Open and Venus would love to go to the French, and they’re both in our camp,” he said.
If the women do their job, Williams is likely to become the first women to win the women’s doubles title at the U.S. Open. This would make her the only person to do it on three occasions, back in the days before
