After four years away from Wimbledon, Serena Williams accepted a singles wildcard in 2026 and made her comeback. But at the US Open, the six-time champion chose not to do the same. Back in New York for the first time since 2022, the 44-year-old stayed out of the singles draw despite a wildcard being available, and she has now revealed exactly why.

“I injured myself at Wimbledon and I just didn’t have time to recover, unfortunately,” she said in an interview with Good Morning America. “I just didn’t want to take any opportunities away from someone in terms of getting a wild card if I wasn’t able to compete in a way that I knew I could.” The final singles wildcard ultimately went to Sofia Kenin.

“No, I probably will play. I have to,” she said, before adding a lighter note about her current level. “But after some of those returns, I think I need to play.” Asked whether fans might see her at another major, she left the possibility open, saying it was not something permanent but that she also wants her children to see her compete.

She played the mixed doubles event, teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz, and the duo even went on to win their first-round match against Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool. They fell short against the runners-up Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli, but her stint in New York continues with her sister Venus in the women’s doubles – their first time together at a major since Serena’s retirement in 2022.

The story is still developing….