Serena Williams junks 'crazy' rumours of tennis comeback after ITIA statement causes buzz

The tennis world went into a frenzy on Tuesday as the rumours of Serena Williams’ comeback gained traction.

Williams stopped playing professional tennis after losing in the 2022 US Open third round. She didn’t label it as her “retirement” but announced she was “evolving away” from the racket sport.

As a norm, the 23-time Grand Slam champion opted out of the International Registered Testing Pool of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which would free her of the whereabouts commitment for doping control.

Interestingly, the 44-year-old's name has reappeared in a testing pool list dated October 6, 2025. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that she informed the ITIA to add her name to the pool earlier this year.

Hours after the news, Williams took to social media to put these rumours to rest herself.

Players are required to be registered in the testing pool for a minimum of six months before taking the courts. They should remain in one place for an hour every day as a requisite and can be tested for doping on a random notice.

Although Williams herself has junked the possibility of a comeback, she would be eligible to play competitive tennis from April 2026.

This means Williams can participate in the Wimbledon Championships, a tournament she has won seven times in singles. She would also be able to compete in her home Grand Slam, the US Open. The tournament revamped its mixed-doubles competition this year into a star-studded competition, including wildcard teams comprising singles players.

Serena Williams’ entry into the testing pool could even pave the way for a reunion with her elder sister, Venus Williams, as a doubles team.

Venus has been active on the WTA Tour in pockets over the last few years. This season, she participated in the US Open, Cincinnati Open, and Citi Open. In 2023, she played the Majors in New York and London, and in five other events.

Serena and Venus were a formidable force on the doubles court. Together, they won 14 Grand Slam titles from 1999 to 2016 without losing a final.

The Williams Sisters may be gearing up for a last dance at Wimbledon or the US Open in 2026 to bring closure to their storied careers as tennis professionals.