Serena Williams has committed to playing in this year's US Open.
The US Tennis Association has confirmed that Flushing Meadows in Queens will host the Grand Slam from August 31 to September 13.
No fans will be allowed, however.
Williams has won six of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles on the Arthur Ashe Court in New York, and admits it will be strange playing this year's tournament behind closed doors.
A message from 6x champion @serenawilliams: pic.twitter.com/nBku5heoJv
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 17, 2020
"This announcement has been on my mind all day, but ultimately I really cannot wait to return to New York and play the US Open 2020", she told her Twitter followers.
"I feel like USTA is going to do a really good job of ensuring everything is amazing, and everything is perfect and everyone is safe.
"It's going to be exciting! It's been over six months since a lot of us have played professional tennis.
"I'll certainly miss the fans - don't get me wrong - just being out there in that New York crowd and hearing everyone cheer, I'll really miss that and getting me through some of those tough matches.
"This is crazy, I'm excited."
The traditional US Open warm-up event at Cincinnati - the Western & Southern Open - as expected, has been moved to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in Flushing Meadows.
"First and foremost, our decision-making has been guided by the health and well-being of all who will take part in the 2020 US Open," said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Patrick Galbraith.
"After educating ourselves through consultations with experts, and following near round-the-clock planning for three months, we are confident that we have a plan that is safe, viable and the right thing to do for our sport. This historic undertaking will provide a tremendous boost to the entire tennis industry and community, a boost so needed in these trying times."
In hosting the two events, the USTA has committed $60million (€53.5m) in total compensation to players to ensure the events are financially viable for all competitors.
