23-time Grand Slam champion refuses to rule out return, citing “I don’t know, I’ll see what happens” amid mandatory six-month testing window.
Serena Williams has sparked fresh rumors of a possible return to professional tennis, after declining to dismiss the idea during a television appearance this week.
When asked directly on NBC’s “Today” show whether she plans to compete again, the 44-year-old legend replied, “That’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and mother of two, has not played since the 2022 US Open. However, she re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool in December—a mandatory step for any potential return to competition.
Pressed on why she rejoined the testing program, Williams responded with a smile, “Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this.”
Her re-entry requires her to provide whereabouts information for out-of-competition testing for at least six months before being eligible to play. During the Australian Open, former world No. 1 Jim Courier noted the significance of the move.
“No person that doesn’t have intentions to play professional tennis is going to put themselves in that list, especially someone with as much experience as Serena Williams,” Courier said. “Unless she gets injured, there’s no doubt she’s going to play somewhere at some point.”
Williams’ sister Venus, 45, recently returned to the tour after nearly two years away, competing in Auckland, Hobart, and the Australian Open with a wildcard entry. The sisters have historically dominated as a pair, winning 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together.
While Serena denied comeback plans in December, her latest comments—and testing status—leave the door firmly open for a potential appearance, whether in singles, doubles, or mixed competition later this year.
United Arab Emirates Dirham Exchange Rate
