Savannah Guthrie appeared to recognize she had pushed too far during a live interview with Serena Williams on NBC’s “Today” show repeatedly pressing the retired tennis star about a potential return to the sport despite Williams’ clear reluctance to engage, Page Six reports.
Guthrie, 54, raised the topic mid-interview Wednesday, noting that Williams, 44, had re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency drug testing pool in October 2025 — a move some interpret as a signal of a possible comeback. Guthrie said she “had to ask” whether Williams planned to return to professional tennis.
Williams immediately pushed back, reacting with disbelief.
“Really? Are you asking me that on the ‘Today’ show? Oh, my gosh. Really?” she said, as laughter broke out on set.
When Guthrie attempted to clarify whether the response meant “no,” Williams deflected again, pointing out the distraction and emphasizing that she is currently focused on enjoying her life. She declined to give a definitive answer, saying she would “just see what happens.”
Guthrie continued to frame Williams’ comments as a “maybe,” prompting the tennis champion to respond more firmly, Page Six noted. Williams noted that she is raising two children and described herself as a full-time stay-at-home mom, adding that she recently listed her occupation as “housewife” on a form.
The exchange grew increasingly awkward as Guthrie returned to Williams’ decision to re-enter the drug testing pool. Williams replied that she did not know whether she had ever officially left it and said she could not discuss the subject further.
Still, Guthrie pressed on, suggesting the interview was a chance to put speculation “to bed.” Williams responded with humor, saying she wanted to go to bed instead because it was early.
As the interview wrapped, Guthrie appeared aware of the tension, repeatedly insisting that Williams was not upset and directly asking, “you’re not mad at me?” Williams laughed, shook her head, and later called Guthrie “funny.”
Williams officially announced her retirement from tennis in a 2022 essay for Vogue, explaining that she chose to prioritize family over extending her athletic résumé.