Serena Williams Takes Step Toward Competitive Comeback

Tennis icon Serena Williams has reportedly made moves suggesting a potential return to professional competition.

At 44, Williams has rejoined the International Tennis Integrity Authority (ITIA) test pool for the first time since her retirement in 2022. Her last match was at the 2022 US Open, where she made it to the third round but lost to Ajla Tomljanovic.

Upon retiring, Williams had filed formal retirement paperwork, which allowed her to skip notifying the ITIA about her whereabouts for random drug testing. Now, in order to re-enter as a retired player, she must complete six months of out-of-competition testing before being cleared to compete again.

Her name appeared on the ITIA’s testing list as of October 6. It’s important to note that this doesn’t automatically mean she’ll be back in competition soon.

Being on this list is a necessary first step for retired athletes looking to return. If Williams continues to progress well through this process, there’s a possibility she could compete again by April 2026.

Interestingly, her sister Venus took a break but didn’t officially retire, which allowed her to return after 16 months away from the sport.

According to reports, Williams expressed her desire to come back in August, just prior to the US Open, but due to the re-entry process, she couldn’t participate.

Williams ranks second in Grand Slam singles titles, with 23 victories, trailing Margaret Court’s 24. Should she decide to compete again, she would be one step closer to that elusive 24th title.