Los Angeles (AFP)
Serena Williams is preparing for the US Open despite the recent withdrawals of several players due to the coronavirus pandemic, she announced on Saturday, after a long period of living "a little recluse".
"I can see myself totally playing if the tournament takes place," said the former world No. 1 during a virtual press conference, when asked about his participation in the US Open and Roland Garros, late September-early October.
The American was, in mid-June, the first star to announce her participation in the US Open, while the holding of the tournament began to be debated.
The 23 Grand Slam winner, who turns 39 in September, will resume competition next week with the tournament in Lexington, Ky., After a six-month hiatus due to Covid-19.
“But I can't predict the future. When tournaments were canceled, I just thought: + Let me work today and let's see what happens, +” she added.
Serena Williams, who in the past suffered from pulmonary embolisms which reduced her breathing capacities, which forced her to be "a little recluse this year", specified the drastic precautions she took during the health crisis : she has been confined to her home, in Florida, since March, and has "50 masks with which [she] travels, because [she] never wants [to] be without one".
"As far as health is concerned, I pay close attention to what I do, and everyone in the + Serena + bubble is really protected," she said.
“It's cool to play tennis, but it's my life and my health, so I was a little neurotic but that's how I have to be now,” she continued.
© 2020 AFP