Serena Williams hints at possible tennis comeback
Serena Williams has left the door open to a potential tennis comeback after delivering a series of evasive responses during an uncomfortable exchange on the Today Show, reports BritPanorama.
The 44-year-old, who holds 23 grand slam titles, stepped away from competitive tennis following the 2022 US Open, famously describing her departure as “evolving away” from the sport rather than retiring. Despite posting on X in December that she was definitively not returning, stating, “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” Williams declined to shut down speculation when questioned directly during the television appearance, leaving viewers somewhat bewildered.
When pressed on whether she might return to the court, Williams expressed mock disbelief at being asked such questions. “I mean, really, are you asking this on the Today Show? Oh, my goodness,” she responded, her answers offering little clarity. “Is that a no? I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now. That’s not a yes or no. I don’t know. I’m just gonna see what happens. That’s not a ‘maybe’,” Williams said.
Questions surrounding Williams’s status in the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s registered testing pool added further intrigue to the interview. Speculation emerged in December that the former world No. 1 had rejoined the ITIA’s testing programme, which players must be enrolled in for a minimum of six months before they can compete professionally. When asked directly whether she had re-entered the drug testing pool, Williams gave another cryptic response: “Did I re-enter? I don’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this.”
The requirement for players to be registered with the testing agency well in advance of competition means any potential return would necessitate considerable forward planning. Williams also emphasised her current domestic focus, stating, “I have two kids. I’m a full time stay at home. When I filled out a form the other day. Occupation? Housewife.” Her playful dismissal of a swift resolution to the comeback speculation continued as she quipped, “I want to go to bed, it’s early.”
Amid the ongoing conversation, Williams may have found motivation in watching her elder sister Venus compete at this month’s Australian Open. Venus showcased her commitment to the sport last season by participating across all three formats at the US Open, reaching the women’s doubles quarter-finals alongside Leylah Fernandez. Changes to the US Open mixed doubles format could also prove enticing for Serena, as the event has been restructured to take place during the week preceding the singles competition, a move aimed at attracting more elite players to the draw.
In the world of tennis, the echoes of past legends linger, reminding fans of how the competitive spirit continues to challenge notions of retirement.
