Serena Williams has initiated her potential return to professional tennis by registering with the sport’s drug-testing agency, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). This move marks a significant first step for the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who last competed at the 2022 U.S. Open. At that time, Williams expressed her desire to step away from tennis, stating she preferred the term “evolving” rather than “retiring.”
Though specifics regarding her return—such as the timing or location of her next match—remain uncertain, her registration with ITIA indicates a serious consideration of rejoining the competitive scene. ITIA spokesman Adrian Bassett confirmed that Williams is officially back in the testing pool, which is a requirement for athletes looking to resume their careers after a break.
Athletes returning from a hiatus must provide their whereabouts for anti-doping purposes, including information about their locations outside official events. If they have been retired from the sport, they are required to remain available for testing for six months before they can compete again.
The tennis community has seen exciting returns, most notably with Williams’ older sister, Venus, who came back to the court this past July at 45, after being away for nearly a year and a half. Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, became the oldest player to participate in singles at the U.S. Open since 1981. During her return, she expressed a desire for Serena to join her back on tour, reminiscing about their strong bond and shared experiences in the sport.
Serena’s potential comeback would undoubtedly generate significant buzz in the tennis world, particularly given her legendary status and the family’s rich history in the sport. With her name back in the testing pool, fans are left hopeful for an exhilarating return that could see the Williams sisters reignite their presence on the court, where they have left an indelible mark.