Serena Williams' participation in the upcoming US Open in New York was already set to be quite the emotional one, and it just became all the more special.MORE: Serena Williams mourns heartbreaking loss with emotional tributeThe iconic tournament, which started on 23 August and runs through 11 September, sets the stage for the tennis star's very last competition, having announced that she would retire after competing in it earlier this summer.Now, as the tournament is underway, Serena is proving she will really go out with a bang – and just the way she kicked off her career over two decades ago – with none other than her sister Venus Williams by her side.WATCH: Serena offers rare glimpse into her bedroomMORE: Serena Williams shares surprising family photo featuring Meghan Markle – fans reactThe legendary sisters have received a wildcard entry, and will be playing together for the women's doubles tournament.It is the first time the two have joined forces to play at a major together since the French Open in 2018. The second time they won their Grand Slam doubles together was at the US Open in 1999, and Serena won her first of her whopping twenty-three major titles at the very same event.Reunited and it feels so good ❤️ This will be the first time Serena and Venus Williams have played at a major together since the French Open in 2018. #ThatsaW pic.twitter.com/Di8Isk3V0YTheir attendance just became all the more specialThe doubles draw is set to begin on Wednesday, 31 August, though the mom-of-one's first singles match will be against Danka Kovinic on Monday.
US Open 'seriously considered' copying Wimbledon as Ukraine pledge comes to light
09.08.2022 - 05:03 / msn.com
Daniil Medvedev to play. Instead, they opted to host a fund-raising event with the hopes that players from the two nations could be convinced to support a charity match to donate to the efforts in Ukraine.
And the plan has been successful, with the US Open tournament director confirming that Belarusian two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka accepted her request to join the likes of Rafael Nadal and WTA world No 1 Iga Swiatek at the event on Ukraine's Independence Day later this month. Opening up on her conversation with Azarenka, Stacey Allister told the New York Times: "It was a quick response.
She said, 'This is a player choice, and I want to play. '" The US Open boss also explained that the USTA decided to allow Russian and Belrusian players to compete because they didn't want them to be held responsible for the actions of their respective governments.
JUST IN: Serena Williams edges past Parrizas Diaz for first win in 430 daysBut Allaster said that the USTA still wanted to take advantage of the US Open and North American hard-court swing to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and raise funds to support the country. "You turn on the news now and the war is the fifth or sixth story sometimes," she said.
Allaster also emphasised that she and the association didn't want "to put undue pressure on any athlete. " Multiple Russian players - even those who were born in the country but switched allegiances years ago like recent Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina - have opted to keep their comments on the war limited over fears for the safety of themselves or family members still in the country, and the US Open tournament director added: "We are going to respect and support any
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First Lady Michelle Obama reminds Serena Williams she will ‘always be cheering’ her
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Serena Williams is retiring! When will the tennis star play professionally for the last time
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