Pete Kiehart for The New York Times
PARIS — It was the preseason in South Florida last year, and Sofia Kenin, in search of the ultimate practice partner, sent a text message to Serena Williams’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, to see if Williams was available.
Mouratoglou politely turned her down.
“He said she was all set,” Kenin said.
Last month, Kenin was expecting to join forces with Williams on the United States Fed Cup team against Switzerland. But Williams, still dealing with a knee problem, was unable to play.
Kenin’s wait is set to end on Saturday in the third round of the French Open.