Serena Williams may have a reason to rejoice this US Open season that starts on August 27 in Flushing Meadows, New York. The erstwhile top-seeded player who took a maternity leave last year may not have to start from zero as she did at the French Open last month.
The Flushing Meadows Grand Slam is in the process of updating its seeding policy to take into account a player returning from pregnancy break, according to United States Tennis Association president Katrina Adams.
“It’s the right thing to do for these mothers that are coming back,” Adams has informed the media.
Williams, who was ranked No. 1 in the world when she ceased playing after winning the 2017 Australian Open, is now ranked 183.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup: Lukaku, Hazard braces help Belgium stun Tunisia 5-2
She gave birth to her daughter Alexis in September and returned to play in March at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
Grand Slam events generally award seedings based on rankings, which are not protected for injuries or pregnancy in the WTA.
Williams may also be on an even keel at Wimbledon this year as Wimbledon officials take other factors into consideration and have the leeway to grant her a seeded place when the list is announced later this week.
Williams has won six US Open titles in 17 appearances.