Serena Williams Readies Her Comeback to Tennis
Serena Williams, a tennis legend with the most Grand Slam singles titles in women’s history, is preparing for a potential return to competitive tennis by 2026. At the age of 44, Williams last graced the court during the 2022 U.S. Open, where she made a notable run, defeating No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit before falling to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round on September 2, 2022. The following day, she officially announced her retirement from professional tennis with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Serena Williams’s Tennis Retirement and Reinstatement
When Serena filed for retirement on September 3, 2022, she was no longer required to provide her whereabouts for random drug testing. This effectively ended her eligibility for sanctioned events until her reinstatement request. According to ITIA policies, players must complete six months of out-of-competition testing after returning to the pool before they can participate again.
- Last Match: U.S. Open, September 2, 2022
- Retirement Date: September 3, 2022
- Official Reinstatement Request: October 2025
Although her name remains on the list of retired players, it is expected to move to the reinstated list shortly, as she has recently reentered the testing pool. Reports indicate that Williams sought reinstatement in August 2025, prior to the U.S. Open, aiming for a potential doubles appearance alongside her sister Venus.
Venus Williams’s Recent Performance
Unlike her sister, Venus Williams has not retired, allowing her to return to the tour after a 16-month gap. She made her comeback at the Washington Open in July 2025. There, Venus displayed a commendable performance, winning her first singles match against Peyton Stearns and later reaching the women’s doubles quarterfinals with partner Leylah Fernandez.
What Lies Ahead for Serena Williams?
As of now, Serena’s ultimate goals regarding her comeback remain unclear. Speculation suggests she may aim to capture her 24th Grand Slam title, although she may also simply wish to enjoy the sport again on her terms. Additionally, discussions surrounding her potential enshrinement in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2027 raise questions about whether her return will affect her candidacy.
Since her exit from professional play, Serena has been active in promoting the GLP-1 weight loss drug, Zepbound, through Ro, a telehealth company linked to her husband, Alexis Ohanian. Williams’s reported 31-pound weight loss and ongoing media presence have contributed to the discussion around player health and performance-enhancing substances.
Public Statements and Future Outlook
Recently, Serena addressed rumors about her return on social media, denying any immediate plans to compete again. Despite this, her decision to enter the testing pool indicates a desire to seek a return to the sport she dominated for decades.
El-Balad will continue to track this developing story as more details emerge. Stay tuned for updates on Serena Williams’s journey back to tennis and her overall impact on the sport.
