NEW YORK – Welcome back to the U.S. Open, Serena Williams. The former tennis star, who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, visited Flushing Meadows on Saturday, but this time as a spectator rather than a player. Williams showcased her classic look with a denim skirt reminiscent of the one she wore during competitions in New York back in 2004.

This marks her first return to the U.S. Open since 2022, where she participated in her final tournament. At that event, she reached the third round before losing to Ajla Tomljanovic in her last match. While she describes her exit from professional tennis as an “evolution” rather than retirement, Williams has kept herself busy. She has pursued business interests, signed a book deal, and produced a documentary series currently airing on ESPN. Additionally, she became a mother for the second time a year ago.

The 42-year-old American has won six singles titles at the U.S. Open, a number that ties with Chris Evert, throughout her impressive career. On Saturday, Williams was seated in a suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium while top-ranked male player Jannik Sinner secured a convincing victory in the third round against Chris O’Connell.

Williams moved around the grounds, where she watched Tommy Paul’s win at Louis Armstrong Stadium and stopped to speak with current world No. 1 player Iga Swiatek at the player training facility, where Swiatek was scheduled to compete later that evening.

Her good friend, former world No. 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, joked after her own third-round victory about being disappointed not to see Williams among the spectators at Grandstand. “I will text her,” Wozniacki laughed. “I’m quite sad she didn’t show up for my match… I think we’ll have to talk about it later.”

It is clear that, although Williams is no longer competing, her presence remains a significant part of the U.S. Open and the world of tennis.