Serena Williams Reveals Her "Way Different" Approach to U.S. Open 2026

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When it comes to the U.S. Open, Serena Williams knows how to serve, on and off the court.

With the final Grand Slam of the season just weeks away, the tennis icon—whose U.S. Open victories include six singles titles, two doubles titles with sister Venus Williams, and one mixed doubles title with Max Mirnyi—is sharing her winning approach to the tournament, this time, as a fan.

"Going to the Open as a spectator is way different," she told E! News in an exclusive interview. "I can't say it's more fun, but I can say it's just different."

"I get to hang out in the suites, I get to drink," Serena continued. "I never knew what was happening in those suites. So now, it's an opportunity to enjoy matches."

Indeed, Serena has been making her mark on Flushing Meadows since her main draw debut in 1998, when, at the age of 16, she reached the third round. Her last appearance at the tournament was in 2022, before she stepped back from the sport.

And this year, she's leaning into the nostalgia, partnering with Heineken 0.0 to reactivate ticket stubs from her past matches, turning them into VIP passes for the 2026 tournament. It's an extra special and "humbling" moment for the 44-year-old.