Serena Williams Denies Tennis Comeback Rumors

Serena Williams dismissed speculation that she might be preparing to return to tennis, posting a message on social media on Tuesday stating she "is NOT returning," after a spokesperson for the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) indicated the 23-time Grand Slam champion had re-entered the sport's anti-doping testing pool. This is the required first step for a player seeking to come out of retirement.

Williams, 44, has not competed since her farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open. At that time, Williams said she did not want to use the word "retirement," instead stating she was "evolving away" from tennis.

While her re-registration sparked immediate speculation, Williams moved quickly to quash it. She later posted, "OMG people, I am NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy." Her agent did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In an email statement to The Associated Press, USTA spokesperson Brendan McIntyre said, "We are aware that Serena has filed the necessary paperwork with the International Tennis Integrity Agency to re-enter the International Registered Testing Pool. Should Serena decide to return and compete professionally, along with her fans, we would welcome the return of one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport with open arms."

Williams has been one of the most luminous stars in any sport, a dominant talent on the court who continues to command significant attention off it. Had a comeback materialized, the impact would have been extraordinary.

Re-Entry into Testing Pool

Williams's decision to place her name back in the ITIA's testing pool, which oversees anti-doping and anti-corruption efforts, was first reported by the digital outlet Bounces.

"She is on the list and back in the testing pool," ITIA spokesperson Adrian Bassett wrote to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Athletes in the testing pool must provide whereabouts information, detailing their location when not at an official tournament and times they are available for testing. A player who retires while on the list and later returns must be available for testing for six months before being allowed to compete again.

Venus Williams's Recent Return

Williams's older sister, Venus, returned to competition this July at age 45 after nearly a year and a half away from the tour. She had never announced a retirement. At the U.S. Open, Venus became the oldest player to compete in singles at the American Grand Slam since 1981.

When Venus, a seven-time major singles champion, returned at the DC Open, she spoke of her desire for Serena to join her on tour again. Together, they have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.

"I keep telling my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she were here. We did everything together our whole lives, of course I miss her," Venus said at the time when asked about a social media video showing Serena swinging a racket. "But if she comes back, I'm sure she'll let you know."