WTA legend Serena Williams has recently given an evasive yet playful answer about her potential comeback, a speculation that rose after her name appeared in the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s registered testing pool, a mandatory step players must complete before competing professionally.
The former World No. 1, who bid adieu to her decorated career in 2022, still steps on the court for practice sessions, along with her daughters.
Serena Williams Maintains Mysteriousness on Her Comeback, Revealing Her Joy With Her Changed Role
Williams, who ended her career with 73 WTA Tour singles titles, including 23 majors, and 23 doubles titles, had re-entered the ITIA’s registered testing pool, with her name appearing on the updated players’ list in October last year. As per the rules, a player who wishes to return to professional competition must complete six months of testing before they can compete in an event.
During her recent appearance on the ‘Today Show’ with Savannah Guthrie, the prominent player was asked about her potential to return to the court.
To which she gave an elusive answer; she didn’t clearly mention she’s coming back, but she also didn’t say no, mentioning, “I mean, really, are you asking this on the TODAY show? Oh, my God. Oh my goodness, is that a no? Now people on the set are laughing, this is distracting. You’re distracting us over there. I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now. That’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”
She continued highlighting her role as a mother, “That’s not a maybe. Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this. I have two kids. I am a full-time stay-at-home (mom). When I filled out a form the other day, occupation: housewife. I want to go to bed. It’s early. You’re funny. That was fun.”
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Her re-entering of the drug testing pool was also confirmed by an ITIA spokesperson, Adrian Bassett, who had stated, “She has notified us that she wants to be reinstated into the testing pool. I do not know if this means she is coming back, or just giving herself the option. All I can say is she’s back in the pool and therefore subject to whereabouts.”
Given the speculations, which naturally escalated, Williams had replied through her X post in December last year, stating she is not planning to return, adding, “Omg y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Apart from the fans, WTA legend Billie Jean King, Hall of Famer Andy Roddick, and former professionals, including John Isner, Sam Querrey, Jack Sock, and Steve Johnson, have also expressed support for her return, given the distinguished feats Williams achieved on the court.
