Serena Williams has hosed down speculation she’s preparing to make a stunning return to tennis, having bid farewell to the sport at the 2022 US Open. The rumour mill has been sent into overdrive after tennis officials confirmed the 44-year-old had reentered the sport’s drug-testing pool, fuelling suggestions the American champion is preparing to make an extraordinary comeback.
In a statement emailed to The Associated Press, US Tennis Association (USTA) spokesman Brendan McIntyre said: “We are aware that Serena has filed the necessary paperwork with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) to reenter the International Registered Testing Pool. If Serena decides to return and compete at the professional level, together with her fans, we will enthusiastically welcome the return of one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport.”
Serena Williams has been forced to shut down rumours she’s set to follow in the footsteps of big sister Venus and make a stunning return to tennis. Pic: Getty
The (ITIA) – which is the sport’s drug-testing body – later confirmed the media reports about Williams. “It is correct that she is back on the Registered Testing Pool list,” ITIA spokesperson Adrian Bassett told AFP in London on Tuesday. “At this stage we have no other information.”
Players who decide to return to testing need to provide information about their time and locations when they are available to give samples. And players who have retired – such as Williams – need to complete testing for six months before they are allowed to return to competition.
It means if Serena was planning on making a grand slam comeback in 2026, the earliest one she’d be available for would be Wimbledon in late June. The 23-time major winner would then undoubtedly be the biggest drawcard for the US Open which runs from August 31 to September 13 next year.
Serena Williams pours cold water on tennis comeback talk
Despite the widespread public excitement around a potential comeback, Serena insisted on social media that she had no plans on returning to tennis, but didn’t provide a reason why she reentered the testing pool. “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” Williams posted on social media.
The 23-time major winner has not competed since losing in three sets to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 US Open. Serena refused to use the term “retiring” at the time and insisted she was merely “evolving” away from tennis.
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But the American left the sport being hailed by many as the greatest female player of all time, despite falling one grand slam singles title short of Aussie legend Margaret Court’s record (24). And it’s understandable that a potential comeback for the American legend has left the tennis world in a frenzy.
Tennis fans are hoping to see Serena Williams team up with big sister Venus in doubles again after rumours of her potential comeback spread like wildfire. Pic: Getty
Serena’s older sister Venus returned to the sport in July after leaving the WTA tour for almost two years. The seven-time major winner said at the DC Open she wished Serena was there with her, fuelling speculation the pair could team up again in doubles next year. The sisters won 14 grand slam doubles titles as a pair during their glittering careers.
“I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” Venus said about her little sister in July. “Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her. But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.”
with agencies