Serena Williams Sparks Comeback Speculation with Testing Pool Reentry
Serena Williams has not made any official announcements regarding a return to professional tennis, yet recent developments have ignited speculation among fans. The 23-time Grand Slam champion's name surfaced in the International Registered Testing Pool, a significant step for any player considering a comeback.
On December 2, reports indicated that Williams, now 44, re-entered the testing pool, which was last updated on October 6. This pool includes top players and those aiming to return to competitive play after a break. “She has notified us that she wants to be reinstated into the testing pool,” stated Adrian Bassett, an ITIA spokesperson, in a text message. “I do not know if this means she is coming back, or just giving herself the option. All I can say is she’s back in the pool and therefore subject to whereabouts.”
Williams last graced the court during the 2022 U.S. Open, where she made history as the oldest woman in the Open Era to defeat a top-three ranked player, overcoming world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit. However, her journey ended in the next round against Ajla Tomljanovic, and she has not competed since then. At that time, she did not announce her retirement but mentioned her intention to “evolve away” from tennis.
The International Registered Testing Pool comprises around 100 elite male and female players, alongside those looking to return after a hiatus. Players must provide their whereabouts daily and must remain in the pool for six months before participating in any tournaments.
Insider Ben Rothenberg revealed that Williams had attempted to re-enter the pool earlier, seeking reinstatement in August, just weeks before this year’s U.S. Open. “Serena had first sought reinstatement this past August—likely to play doubles in New York with her sister, Venus,” he noted. “But such short-notice spontaneous comebacks by officially retired players are not permitted.”
While the exact date of her re-entry remains unclear, Williams could potentially return to competitive action by spring 2026. This news follows an interview with Porter Magazine, where she candidly discussed her struggles with retirement. “No matter how prepared you are to retire, and particularly from doing something every day at such a high level, it’s hard,” she reflected. “I really prepped myself the best way I could, but it’s something that’s still a little difficult.”
In the three years since stepping back from tennis, Williams has kept herself occupied with various business ventures and motherhood. She shares two daughters, Olympia, 8, and Adira, 2, with her husband Alexis Ohanian. “With Olympia, I didn’t leave her until she was five! That may have been a little extreme. And it’s not recommended!” she joked. “But I’ve just always wanted to be a mom.”
“I want to be around my family. I’m cooking every night that I’m home. I’m home 29 nights a month,” she added. “Sometimes I’ll fly to New York, do what I need to do, fly back and be home in time for dinner.”
Her Instagram account reflects her family life, showcasing moments like a recent post from November 24 featuring her on the tennis court with Adira. “This is me sharing my passion for tennis with my youngest daughter,” she captioned the heartwarming image.
