It seems as though Serena Williams is looking to give herself the best possible chance at glory next week when she plays at what will likely be her final tennis tournament.

While training for the US Open, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has reportedly added a new member to her coaching team.

Former doubles world number one Rennae Stubbs has joined Team Serena in the lead up to the legend's last hurrah in New York.

Williams recently announced her retirement from tennis in an emotional letter penned in Vogue magazine.

She admitted it was the hardest decision she has ever had to make, and one that certainly did not come easy.

But after a professional career spanning across almost three decades — and winning a whopping 73 titles along the way — the 40-year-old has decided now is the time to move away from tennis and focus on growing her family.

One final push at 2022 US Open

Williams has been chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title for several years now, and time is running out to match Margaret Court's all-time tally.

Since releasing her Vogue feature, she has lost both matches played in Canada and Cincinnati, which summarises her form over the last 18 months.

Since reaching the Australian Open semi-final last year, the US star's form has dipped and she has been hampered with injuries, restricting her to playing in just seven tournaments since January 2021.

Williams' most recent performance was a straight set loss to Emma Raducanu at the Cincinnati Open.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Serena Williams of The United States plays a smash in her Ladies' Singles final against Simona Halep of Romania during Day twelve of The Championships - Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Based on her form, the odds are heavily against the six-time US Open winner, but she is certainly giving this year her all.

Reports from Flushing Meadows suggest Williams has added the Australian Stubbs to her coaching team, alongside Eric Hechtman.

During her playing career, Stubbs won four Grand Slam doubles titles and two in mixed doubles, she also represented Australia at four consecutive Olympics Games from 1996 to 2008.

Stubbs has played more of a role in commentary than she has in coaching since her retirement, and now she faces her toughest task yet.

The Aussie has reportedly been introducing a new approach to Williams' tennis. She has encouraged playing practice sets with top players as opposed to a hitting partner at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Williams faced world number three Maria Sakkari in a practice match on Sunday.

It will be a big ask for Williams to bounce back and assert herself as a title contender at the US Open. Martina Navratilova recently admitted she did not think a dream curtain close was on the cards for the 40-year-old.

"The way she has looked, it doesn’t look like she is going to make a miraculous comeback and win the tournament," said the 18-time major champion. "And with the stress of knowing this is likely your last tournament it doesn’t help.

"But if anyone can overcome it would be Serena."