Tennis legend Serena Williams is reportedly preparing to return to professional tennis more than three years after what appeared to be her final competitive match.
The 44-year-old American icon, who last played competitively in September 2022, is now eligible to compete again before the end of February after laying the groundwork for a comeback.
Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, has been training with fellow American Alycia Parks as part of her preparations. While expectations remain uncertain given her time away from the sport, early signs suggest she could still be a force on tour.
Parks, 25, who recently progressed through qualifying to reach the main draw at the Qatar Open, spoke highly of Williams after practicing with her.
“I actually practiced with her last Monday. And I messaged her yesterday,” Parks told Tennis Majors. “She’s definitely a good mentor to me and she’s helped me a lot, especially in my practices. She is in great shape. So I think she would kill it on tour.”
The speculation surrounding Serena Williams’ return intensified after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) listed her as its most recent “reinstated player.” Under current regulations, players seeking to return from retirement must spend six months in the anti-doping testing pool before being cleared to compete in official tour events.
According to the ITIA listing, Williams’ reinstatement date is February 22. Reports from Bounces indicate that she submitted her application for reinstatement in August last year.
If confirmed, her return would mark one of the most high-profile comebacks in recent tennis history, reigniting excitement among fans eager to see one of the sport’s greatest champions back in action.
