“If the US Open Happened in Three Weeks…”: Patrick Mouratoglou Opens up on Serena Williams’ Injury

Tennis fans anxiously wait for the commencement of this season’s finale, the US Open 2021. Courtesy of the caliber of its star-studded lineup, the tournament has always proven its money’s worth. However, waiting in hope of a miracle, fans faced disappointment yesterday as American legend Serena Williams announced her withdrawal from the forthcoming competition.

Not long now until the world’s best take to the courts of New York, battling out for the title. However, even as they guarantee enthralling action, fans mourn the absence of Serena Williams. The 23-time Grand Slam champion withdrew her participation from the tournament citing injury concerns, leaving fans in disbelief.

Opening up on the same, Serena’s long-time coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, details the events of the last few months, opening up on her injury

A race against time

The series of unfortunate incidents started at the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. Appearing in her first-round clash, Serena fell victim to a mid-game injury, hurting her right thigh. As a result, the 39-year-old had no option but to retire from the rest of the tournament. The severity of her injury was such, that she is yet to make an appearance on the court since that outing.

After skipping the events in the build-up to the US Open, fans were positive about Serena’s return in New York. However, Patrick explains how the American sensation needs more time to recover, despite the team’s relentless efforts to relaunch the star.

He said, “After Wimbledon, the team had made a protocol that was meant to lead her to be able to play at the US Open. Every week, some progress was due to happen in what she was able to do. We knew that any problem would rule out the possibility.”

“At some point we had a little step back. It cost two weeks. We pay for it now. If the US Open happened in three weeks instead of next week, it would have been possible. It’s not the case today,” Patrick further added.

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The wait continues for Serena Williams

Serena might have lost the race against time, but no loss is bigger than the legacy of the legend. However, once gloriously decorated with success, her career has been riddled with injuries off late. Having last won a title in 2017, her quest for a 24th Grand Slam continues.

With the US Open now off-limits, fans wonder, what’s in store for 2022? Can Serena return to her glory days? Is a return to the sport still a possibility, or are we about to witness the end of an era? Godspeed to fans who begin a new journey, filled with questions, doubts, and a tiny bit of hope for the future.

Read more: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams Lead the List of Absentees at the US Open 2021