Serena Williams wants everyone to know she’s not going back to tennis anytime soon. At least, that’s what she posted on social media after speculation heated up on Tuesday when it was reported that the 23-time major champion had returned to the drug testing pool.
An ITIA spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic that Williams re-registered as an International Tennis Integrity Agency Registered Testing Person in October, a requirement before returning to competition.
“We don’t know if this means she’s coming back or just giving herself options,” a spokesperson said via The Athletic. “All I can say is she went back to the pool and is missing.”
However, Williams posted to X shortly afterwards dispelling all rumors and speculation.
When Williams, 44, announced her retirement from tennis in August 2022 in the form of a first-person essay for Vogue magazine, she avoided using the word “retirement,” saying, “It doesn’t seem like a modern word to me.” Williams instead called it an “evolution” away from tennis and into something more important to her at the time.
Williams recently posted on social media a picture of her playing tennis again with her youngest daughter.
If Williams is serious about returning to competition, he will need to undergo at least six months of testing before returning to competition. Given her name was included on the October roster, Williams could return in April 2026, giving her time to prepare for Roland Garros in May and Wimbledon in June. She won the French Open three times during her career and Wimbledon a whopping seven times.
Williams began her professional career in 1995 at the age of 14 and revolutionized women’s tennis. Between her and her sister Venus, the two became some of the most famous athletes in the world. Her 23 Grand Slam titles are tied with Margaret Court’s 24, a record held by Williams. showed interest in breaking In the past.
