The most successful tennis player in history is not planning a comeback.
Sports icon Serena Williams has rejected speculation about her possible return to professional tennis.
“Oh my God, people, I’m NOT coming back. This forest fire is crazy,” wrote the 23-time Grand Slam tournament winner on Tuesday evening (CET) on the X platform.
Williams hasn’t played an official match in more than three years.
Speculation about comeback
She had previously started this “forest fire” herself. Williams informed the responsible International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that she would like to be reinstated in the international doping control pool.
Adrian Bassett, a spokesman for the ITIA, confirmed corresponding media reports to the portal “The Athletic”. “I don’t know if this means she’s returning or just keeping the option open.” But he could say that Williams is back in the test pool.
The portal speculated that a return of the 44-year-old Williams for the mixed doubles at the US Open in New York in 2026 was the most likely option. A comeback at an official tournament is theoretically only possible after six months in the test pool. Serena Williams said goodbye to the big tennis stage at the US Open 2022, and almost a year later she had her second child.
Sister Venus will be on tour in 2026
Her sister Venus Williams, who is one year older, has already planned for the coming season. The seven-time Grand Slam tournament winner will compete at the tournament in Auckland, New Zealand from January 5th to 11th.
The tournament serves as preparation for the Australian Open (12.1. to 1.2.). The American returned to the tour last summer after a break of around 16 months from tournaments.
After starts in Washington and Cincinnati, she caused a stir at the US Open, but was eliminated in round one despite an impressive performance.
