Serena preps for US Open on her new court

Wednesday was a big, big day for pro tennis.The WTA and ATP released new calendars for an August start, and the US Open held a press conference about its plans to hold a safe tournament.

Serena Williams made a cameo during the virtual conference—which was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center but broadcast live without media or spectators on site.

"So this announcement has been on my mind all day. But ultimately I really cannot wait to return in New York and play the US Open 2020,” Serena  said. “I feel like USTA is going to do a really good job of ensuring everything is amazing, everything is perfect and everyone is safe. It's going to be exciting."

The US Open will look very different with no fans, no qualifying draw, limited entourages, no media, regular COVID-19 testing, and many, many safety restrictions.

“I’ll certainly miss the fans, don't get me wrong,” Serena said. “Just being out there in that New York crowd and hear everyone cheer, I'll really miss that and getting me through some of those tough matches. This is crazy, I'm excited though."

The six-time US Open champion has been training though not just on any ordinary hard court. She put down a brand-new court in her backyard featuring the same surface that the US Open—and also the newly relocated Cincinnati Open—will use.

“She’s training. She will be playing,” US Open tournament director Stacy Allaster said. “And she’s excited to come back.”

Allaster had a personal Zoom call with Serena, and the USTA shipped the brand court surface to her home.