Serena Williams has firmly dismissed speculation that she is preparing a sensational return to professional tennis, despite confirmation that her name has resurfaced on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) Registered Testing Pool.
Reports of a possible comeback spread quickly on Tuesday after ITIA spokesman Adrian Bassett confirmed that the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who has not played since the 2022 US Open, had been listed for routine drug testing. Bassett, however, offered no further details beyond the administrative update.
Williams later moved to quell the excitement with a blunt message posted on X, stating: “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Her response made it clear that fans hoping for her return to the WTA Tour would have to keep waiting.
The 44-year-old tennis legend stepped away from the sport after a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open, ending her illustrious run one title shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles trophies. At the time, she avoided using the word “retirement,” instead saying she was “evolving” away from competitive tennis.
Under ITIA rules, any athlete considering a return must undergo location reporting and testing for at least six months before being eligible to compete, a requirement that fuelled initial speculation when Williams’ name reappeared.
Her older sister, Venus Williams, recently returned to action at age 45 following nearly two years away from the tour. When Venus made her comeback at the DC Open, she openly expressed how much she missed having Serena by her side, noting how they had “always done everything together.” The pair famously won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals as a team.
Despite Venus’ hopes, Serena’s latest statement suggests she has no immediate interest in rejoining the competition. As she made clear, if she ever decided otherwise, “she’ll let y’all know.”
