Serena Williams dismissed speculation regarding her potential return to tennis on social media Tuesday, stating emphatically that she is “NOT coming back.” This announcement followed a comment from a representative of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), who noted that the 23-time Grand Slam titleholder had re-registered with the sport’s drug-testing organization.
This registration marks the initial step for any player aiming to come out of retirement.
The 44-year-old Williams, celebrated as one of the sport’s all-time greats, has not been in competition since her farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open. During that event, she opted not to use the term “retiring,” instead expressing that she was “evolving” away from the sport.
It remains uncertain if, when, or where Williams might compete again. Subsequently, she tweeted: “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Her representative did not respond immediately to requests for clarification.
In a statement sent to The Associated Press, Brendan McIntyre, a spokesman for the U.S. Tennis Association, remarked: “We are aware that Serena has completed the necessary paperwork with the International Tennis Integrity Agency to reenter the International Registered Testing Pool. If Serena chooses to return to compete professionally, we, along with her fans, will gladly welcome back one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport.”
Williams has been one of the most prominent figures across all sports, showcasing exceptional talent on the court while continuing to generate interest off it. If she were to return to the tour, it would undoubtedly be a major narrative in the sport.
Her decision to add her name back into the testing pool with the ITIA, which manages anti-doping and anti-corruption initiatives, was initially reported by Bounces.
“She is on the list and back in the testing pool,” ITIA spokesperson Adrian Bassett informed the AP on Tuesday.
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Athletes who rejoin the testing pool must provide details about their whereabouts, including their location during off-event periods and times when they can be reached for sample collection. A player who retires while on the list and later seeks to return must be available for testing for a period of six months before being allowed to compete again.
Williams’ sister, Venus, returned to competitive play this July at the age of 45 after being away from the tour for nearly 1.5 years; she never officially announced her retirement. At the U.S. Open, Venus became the oldest player to compete in singles at the American Grand Slam tournament since 1981.
When Venus, a seven-time major singles titleholder, made her comeback at the DC Open, she expressed her hope that Serena would join her on tour again. Together, they have secured 14 Grand Slam doubles championships.
“I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here. Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her,” Venus remarked when questioned about a social media video showing Serena swinging a racket. “But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.”