Like many of us today, Serena Williams is embracing a little nostalgia. In anticipation of the US Open, she's taking a trip down memory lane and asking fans to drum up her old match tickets. The payoff? A seat in the exclusive Heineken Suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. "Some of my most defining moments in my career happened in New York, and none of those would have meant as much without the fans," she tells Popsugar in an exclusive interview.
To win the "Second Serve Tickets," [1] starting August 3 fans will submit a photo of their old ticket stub [2] alongside a personal memory. The most passionate fans will be invited to return to the stadium — this time, in the suites. "I felt like if that experience was memorable enough for them to keep [a ticket], then we should have a way to let them enjoy it again. Maybe not [with] me, but something at the tournament," Williams says with a laugh.
Fans at the 2026 US Open can also purchase limited-edition Heineken 0.0 cans inspired by the ticket designs from Serena Williams's six US Open championship wins. The non-alcoholic beverage has become an easy integration into Williams's active routine. "I love that option of the 0.0 in particular when I'm training or when I'm working out or when I'm just being a mom," she says.
"I'm an innovator, and I've been on that train for over 20 years."
Right now, she's balancing all three pretty equally as she trains for a potential run at the US Open. While it hasn't officially been confirmed that Williams will compete, her coach, Rennae Stubbs, says that it is her intention, per AP News [3]. Williams has been focused on recovery since Wimbledon, where she suffered a knee injury and had to withdraw from playing doubles with her sister, Venus Williams.
"I'm feeling solid," she says. "Recovery's going well. Finally, started doing better — so it's good." In terms of her cross-training, Williams is on the StairMaster regularly and also doing Pilates. "I'm an innovator, and I've been on that train for over 20 years," Williams says of her Pilates practice. "That's a staple for me. I actually have a reformer at my house . . . no body like a Pilates body."
When it comes to fueling her body, tacos are a constant in Williams's life: "We always have tacos on Tuesday, and I've gotten pretty consistent whipping that up very fast. I also love making beans and rice for the girls" — who, yes, will both be coming with her to New York. "I don't go with anywhere without them," Williams tells Popsugar.
As far as her other expectations for New York and what it will feel like to be back in the stadium, Williams says she's taking things day by day: "I haven't thought that much into it to be perfectly honest. I have a lot of good memories. I also have a lot of rough memories there, so I'm just living in the moment and today."
Alexis Jones [4] is the section lead of the health and fitness verticals at Popsugar, overseeing coverage across the website, social media, and newsletters. In her seven-plus years of editorial experience, Alexis has developed passions for and expertise in mental health, women's health and fitness, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.