Serena Williams becomes the first major player to confirm she will play the US Open

Serena Williams led the from the front by becoming the first major player to confirm that she will play the US Open after its dates were confirmed.

The 38 year-old American will try and win her 24th Grand Slam singles title when the event is staged under highly restrictive conditions from August 31 for two weeks.

‘I really cannot wait to return to New York and play,’ she said. ‘I feel the USTA (Tennis Association) is going to do a really good job of ensuring everything is amazing and everything is perfect and everyone is safe.’

Serena Williams has become the first major player to confirm she will play at the US Open

The event will be staged under strict conditions due to coronavirus from August 31 

She added that she will miss the fans who, along with the media, will be excluded under strict anti-Covid protocols at what is normally a teeming and noisy Flushing Meadows.

Williams may have been swung by relaxations in the rules which will control how many people players can bring with them, and where they can stay.

In response to concerns already expressed by top players, they will now be allowed to stay privately if they wish to go to the expense, and not be bubbled in the official tournament hotel.

This will have to be done through an official US Open estate agent, who will not be offering properties in Manhattan. Players will also be allowed to bring three support staff on site, going some way to answer concerns of the big names.

Williams said she is excited to return to the court but will miss the fans – who are excluded

The next month will determine whether or not there is a full turnout, now that both men’s and women’s tours have announced provisional calendars to try and salvage the season.

Having suffered severe constipation compared to other sports in producing comeback plans, a glut of information was released by tennis about its future schedule, which are all subject to wider developments in the Coronavirus crisis.

The WTA Tour announced 20 events beginning on August 3 in Palermo, going through to late November.

The men announced a package of events going through to mid-October, with the Madrid, Italian and French Opens being confirmed. A further announcement will be made next month, but there is optimism that November’s ATP Finals at London’s 02 Arena can still happen, subject to government advice.