Serena Williams dismissed speculation about a potential tennis comeback on Tuesday, insisting she is “NOT coming back” after reports surfaced that she had re-registered with the sport’s drug-testing authority — a required step for any player considering a return from retirement.
Rumors began circulating after a spokesperson for the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, had reentered the organization’s drug-testing pool. That process is mandatory for athletes seeking to resume professional competition.
Williams, now 44, has not played since her farewell appearance at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she said she preferred to describe her departure as “evolving” away from tennis rather than formally retiring.
Uncertainty lingered about whether she intended to play again, but Williams shut down the speculation on social media:
“Omg y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Her agent did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The U.S. Tennis Association acknowledged her updated testing status.
“We are aware that Serena has filed the necessary paperwork with the International Tennis Integrity Agency to reenter the International Registered Testing Pool,” USTA spokesman Brendan McIntyre said in an emailed statement. “If Serena decides to return and compete at the professional level, together with her fans, we will enthusiastically welcome the return of one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport.”
Williams, one of the most dominant and celebrated athletes in global sports, remains a major figure both on and off the court, making any hint of a possible comeback a major storyline.
The ITIA, which oversees anti-doping and anti-corruption programs, confirmed her updated status.
“She is on the list and back in the testing pool,” spokesperson Adrian Bassett told The Associated Press.
Athletes returning to competition must provide detailed whereabouts information and remain available for testing for six months before they are eligible to compete.
Williams’ sister, Venus Williams, returned to the tour in July at age 45 after an 18-month break, becoming the oldest U.S. Open singles competitor since 1981.
