Mattek-Sands enjoying the moment in New York

NEW YORK, NY, US - Bethanie Mattek-Sands might be in the middle of intensive rehab following a serious knee injury, but she is thrilled to be at the US Open - and to have set foot on a court once more.

"I feel like New York City has become my home," she said in an exclusive interview, revealing that she has spent much of her time there after surgery for a dislocated kneecap and ruptured patellar ligament, sustained on court at Wimbledon.

"Of course I want to be playing tennis, but you know what? I'm enjoying my time right now. I'm a big believer in enjoying the moment. That's what I'm going to do. Right now, my moment is not playing on the court, but there's so many things I can be doing."

One of those things is a fundraising drive for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, linking up with the US Open to promote the Red Cross campaign.

The 32-year-old also talked about the moment when she realized the severity of her knee injury - and how grateful she has been for the support since from her friends, colleagues and fans.

"It was such a huge outpouring - I actually get emotional about it now, just how many people reached out and gave me their story and some inspiring words...it was really something that helped me get through it," she said.

The American stepped back on to court at the US Open to hit a few volleys with her coach - but she promises she will be back in competitive action soon.

"I'll be back," she assured fans. "I'm going to take my time, and do all my rehab - that time will come, but right now I'm just enjoying myself."