ACCORDING TO REPORTS, SERENA WILLIAMS IS PLANNING A STUNNING RETURN TO PROFESSIONAL TENNIS!
The strongest concrete step Serena has taken that fuels speculation is that she re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered anti-doping testing pool in late 2025. Being in the testing pool and subject to “whereabouts” requirements is a formal prerequisite for anyone planning to play professional tennis again (players must be in the pool for at least six months before entering events).
Despite the above, Serena Williams herself has publicly denied planning a comeback. On social media she wrote that she is not coming back and dismissed speculation as exaggerated.
Several tennis figures (former players and coaches) have acknowledged that Serena’s return to the testing pool strongly suggests she is at least considering a return.
Other analysts point out that registering for testing without committing to play may simply keep Serena eligible if she changes her mind later.
IF SERENA DOES DECIDE TO COMPETE IN 2026
She would likely need to complete the six-month testing requirement before entering an event.
Many speculation pieces focus on Grand Slam events (e.g., Roland Garros or Wimbledon) as possible targets, although this is not confirmed. Some commentators also suggest she could return in doubles (potentially with sister Venus) rather than singles, as this can be less physically demanding and still high profile.
SERENA’S AGE AND COMPETITIVE CONSIDERATIONS
Serena is 44 years old, and has not played a sanctioned professional match since losing in the third round of the 2022 US Open.
At this stage, even if she returns, it would likely be for select events rather than a full WTA tour schedule.
By the way, her sister Venus Williams is actively playing professional tennis in 2026, which has added to discussion about a potential doubles appearance together.
Outside tennis, Serena is also active in business and sport ownership roles – for example joining a WNBA team ownership group — which shows her diversified interests beyond playing.
There is genuine procedural evidence (testing pool registration) that Serena keeps the option open to compete in 2026, but as of now she has publicly denied any immediate comeback and no official entry or match announcement has been made. The tennis community remains divided between optimism and skepticism.