Serena Williams has recently submitted paperwork indicating her return to tennis; however, she has clarified that she is “not coming back” to the sport. The iconic athlete, who has an impressive record of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, officially retired following the 2022 US Open.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that Williams, now 44, has re-entered the drug testing pool for athletes. Her name was included in the latest update from the organization, published on October 6.
Shortly after the news broke regarding her return to the testing pool, Williams took to social media to express her stance, stating, “I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.” This statement raises questions about why she would choose to have her name added to the list without the intention of competing again, as being part of the testing pool entails obligations, including allowing doping officials to conduct inspections.
All players registered in this pool, which mainly includes top-ranked singles, doubles, and wheelchair players, are subject to out-of-competition testing, requiring them to report their whereabouts for one hour each day. Williams’ decision to join the testing pool suggests a lingering connection to the sport, even as she firmly denies any plans for a comeback.
This development serves as a reminder of the significant role Williams has played in tennis, and even though she may not return to competitive play, her influence in the sport continues to resonate.