Serena Williams has once again stirred speculation about a potential return to professional tennis after declining to rule out a comeback, responding to questions with the remark, “I don’t know. I’m just going to see what happens.”
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, now 44 and a mother of two, has not played competitively since her third-round defeat at the 2022 US Open.
However, interest around her future reignited after she re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool in December, a move that sparked widespread rumours, even though she later dismissed suggestions of an imminent return.
Appearing on the television programme “Today” on Wednesday, Williams was asked again about the possibility of playing competitively. While she stopped short of confirming any plans, she also avoided closing the door entirely.
“I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” Williams said.
When pressed further on whether that response meant yes or no, she added, “That’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”
Addressing questions about her status in the anti-doping programme, Williams appeared evasive, saying, “Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this.”
Her comments come as her sister, Venus Williams, continues to defy age expectations. Venus, now 45, featured at the ongoing Australian Open in Melbourne after receiving a wildcard, although she exited in the first round. She had earlier returned to the tour in July after nearly two years away, also competing in Auckland and Hobart.
During the Australian Open, former world number one and current commentator Jim Courier highlighted how demanding inclusion in the anti-doping testing pool can be for players. Athletes are required to regularly submit their whereabouts and availability for testing, and must remain in the pool for six months before being eligible to compete again.
Courier suggested that Williams’ presence in the testing system points strongly toward competitive intentions. “No person that doesn’t have intentions to play professional tennis is going to put themselves in that list, especially someone who has as much experience doing it as Serena Williams,” he said.
“Serena denied (in December) she’s coming back, but I think unless she gets injured there is no doubt she’s going to play somewhere at some point.
“Whether that’s the mixed doubles at the US Open, whether that’s doubles with her sister somewhere, whether it’s singles, only she knows.
“But there’s no other way to interpret that.”
Serena and Venus Williams remain one of the most successful doubles partnerships in tennis history, having won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, in addition to claiming three Olympic gold medals.
What you should know
Serena Williams has not officially announced a return to tennis, but her refusal to rule out a comeback, combined with her re-entry into the anti-doping testing pool, has fueled strong speculation.
Being in the testing programme requires significant commitment and is generally viewed as a step taken only by players planning a return.
With her sister Venus still competing and commentators suggesting Serena’s actions point toward future appearances, many believe she could play again in some form, whether in singles, doubles, or mixed doubles events.
