Serena Williams might return to competitive tennis, or may be not! For the first time since stepping away from professional tennis in 2022, the tennis legend has reappeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered testing pool – a move mandatory for any player who intends to return to sanctioned competition. The development ignited a firestorm of speculation across the tennis world, from fans to journalists to former players.
Within hours, the 23-time Grand Slam champion stepped in to extinguish the rumors herself. “Omg y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy”, Serena Williams posted on X
Despite the emphatic denial, Williams’ unexpected presence in the ITIA pool raised legitimate questions about what the move means- and why one of the most decorated athletes in history is once again subjecting herself to rigorous antidoping protocols.
Why Serena Williams’ Name Reappeared on the ITIA List
Williams has not competed since the 2022 US Open, where she reached the third round before losing to Ajla Tomljanovic. A day after that match, she formally registered as “retired” with the ITIA, making her exempt from daily whereabouts filings and random drug testing.
According to ITIA regulations, any retired player hoping to compete again must:
- Re-enter the registered testing pool
- Provide daily whereabouts
- Remain available for out-of-competition testing
- Do so for six months before competing
Her name’s appearance on an October 2025 ITIA document confirmed she had rejoined the pool sometime recently. That would make her earliest possible return to competition spring of 2026.
The ITIA confirmed her status: “She is on the list and back in the testing pool.”
What This Doesn’t Mean
Re-entering the pool does not mean an athlete is coming back. It merely preserves the option.
But the speculation was natural. Serena is only one major shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24. She has never publicly ruled out the idea of another appearance. And she famously avoided the term “retirement,” saying instead in Vogue in 2022 that she was “evolving away from tennis.”
Adding to the frenzy, Williams recently shared images of herself hitting balls on court with her daughter, Adira, further fueling imaginations.
Serena Says “No” — For Now
Despite the possibilities her ITIA status opens, Williams’ message on X was unequivocal. Insiders say she has not told close contacts of any competitive plans, and her agent has not commented publicly. The U.S. Tennis Association acknowledged her ITIA filing but noted that the decision to return rests entirely with her.
The tennis world is taking her denial seriously, but not literally. Serena Williams has never been a predictable athlete- or person. Her motivations, from business ventures to family priorities to personal evolution, have always driven her more than public expectations.
Why Would She Rejoin the Pool If She Isn’t Coming Back?
There are several plausible explanations:
1. She wants the option
Being in the pool gives her flexibility- a hallmark of her career.
2. She explored a short-term comeback earlier.
Reports indicate she attempted reinstatement before the 2025 US Open to potentially play doubles with Venus, but the six-month rule made it impossible.
3. She enjoys training — and keeping the door open.
Serena has been open about staying active on court even in retirement.
4. ITIA compliance avoids future scrutiny.
Considering her international appeal, remaining eligible could support philanthropic, ambassadorial, or exhibition commitments.
Also Read: Andy Murray’s Coaching: 6 Months With Novak Djokovic And A Lifetime of Lessons
The Venus Factor
Venus Williams- who never retired and returned to competition in 2025 at age 45- has openly expressed a desire to play with her sister again.
“The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” Venus said during her comeback run.
The Williams sisters have won:
- 14 Grand Slam doubles titles
- Three Olympic gold medals together
If Serena were to reappear anywhere, many insiders believe a doubles reunion with Venus is the most realistic scenario.
The Wild Card: GLP-1 Medications
Serena Williams has become a prominent spokesperson for weight-loss drug manufacturer Ro, and has openly used GLP-1 drugs such as Zepbound. These medications are not banned by WADA, though they are part of a monitoring program- meaning their future classification could change. Her compliance with testing ensures full transparency if the rules evolve.
Could Serena Still Return in 2026?
Technically, yes.
If she remains in the testing pool for six months, Serena Williams would be eligible to play tournaments in April 2026– a timeline that coincides with major events like Wimbledon, the US Open, and high-profile doubles showcases.
And the history books are full of legendary comebacks:
- Kim Clijsters
- Monica Seles
- Venus Williams
Serena’s résumé suggests she could join that list if she chooses.
But as of now, she insists she won’t.
A Mystery That Isn’t Going Away
Even after her denial, fans and experts remain captivated. Serena Williams has always moved on her own terms – redefining the sport, motherhood, body image, business, and legacy along the way.
Her ITIA reinstatement may ultimately amount to nothing. Or it could be the quiet first step in one of the greatest returns in tennis history. For now, the only confirmed fact is the one she herself posted:
She’s not coming back. Unless she is.
