US Open: Serena Williams hints she could continue playing after New York

Serena Williams has teased that she may continue playing tennis beyond the 2022 US Open.

Earlier this month, the 23-time Grand Slam champion penned an emotional farewell letter in Vogue, announcing she will be “evolving away” from the sport she has dominated for so long.

It seemed as though Flushing Meadows would host Williams’ curtain fall tournament, but her recent comments suggest there could still be more to come from her.

Speaking on American breakfast television show Today, Williams discussed the idea of continuing to play after her run at the US Open next month.

The next Grand Slam on the calendar after New York is the Australian Open, a tournament Williams has won seven times — more than any other women’s player in the Open Era.

While the former world number one has admitted it is unlikely she will play in Melbourne, she has refused to rule it out completely.

“You never know,” she teased. “I’ve learned in my career, never say never.”

When asked whether she believes the US Open will be her final tournament, Williams said: “I think so, but who knows?”

Williams has also introduced a new face to her coaching team ahead of Flushing Meadows.

The six-time US Open champion has started working with former doubles world number one Rennae Stubbs in what could be her last push for glory.

Although the end of her time on the court is very much in sight, Williams has made it clear she does not like using the word “retirement.”

In her feature with Vogue, the 40-year-old admitted it was a hugely difficult decision to make but she was ultimately presented with a crossroads that could not be ignored — tennis or her family.

“Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family. I don’t think it’s fair,” she