On Day 6 of the 2024 US Open, three legendary singles champions took to the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but the biggest star of the day was in the stands. Tennis icon Serena Williams returned to Flushing Meadows for the first time since her 2022 retirement, this time as a spectator, captivating the crowd with her presence from the stands

The 42-year-old American’s last proficient tennis match came quite a while back in Sovereigns against Ajla Tomljanovic, was a popular face in the group during Ashe’s matches on Saturday, a record of play which highlighted Jessica Pegula and Jannik Miscreant in the day meeting. Iga Swiatek and Daniil Medvedev were booked to follow for the night record.

It was a welcome re-visitation of Flushing Knolls for the previous world No. 1, who brought forth her second girl with spouse Alexis Ohanian during last year’s fortnight.

Williams showed up sooner than expected on Saturday, imparted an embrace to competition chief Stacey Allaster, and presented on the competition’s famous blue floor covering in a two-piece denim outfit (not whenever that she’s shaken a denim first skirt in New York, as long-lasting tennis fans definitely know).

Yet, exciting tennis activity wasn’t all that caught Williams’ consideration: She had in the middle between games, as well, on account of the courtside tunes from Ashe’s DJ, and she was caught on cameras scoring to the music as Delinquent confronted Australia’s Christopher O’Connell.

In 21 US Open appearances, Williams won the singles title six times, and posted a staggering 108-15 record in singles in Flushing.

She partnered her sister Venus Williams to win twice in doubles, and also won the mixed doubles title with Max Mirnyi in 1998.

Also in the crowd for Ashe’s day session was another New York legend: six-time US Open doubles champion Mike Bryan.