The tennis world was abuzz with speculation as Serena Williams’ name reappeared on an ITIA list, which typically includes only active players. The reappearance of the American icon’s name on the list sent tennis fans into a frenzy, hoping for the 44-year-old’s return to the tour.
However, Williams soon issued a message clarifying all doubts.
What Did Serena Williams Say About Her Possible Comeback?
After her reinclusion in the registered testing pool with the ITIA, a possible comeback for Serena Williams was widely expected and speculated. The list is for active players only, and Williams’ re-entry signaled that she might become an active player once more.
Amid wild rumors, Williams posted a tweet on X that dampened speculation. In the post, she stated that she had no intention of returning to the tour and that all rumors were overhyped. She wrote, “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy-
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 2, 2025
Reactions from fans and insiders to the post fueled further discussion. Ben Rothenberg, a prominent tennis journalist, questioned Williams about her decision to reapply for inclusion on the ITIA list. One fan speculated she might be considering doubles with her sister Venus before Venus retires, while another directly asked if she was certain about not coming back.
The tweet may have slowed the rumor mill for now, but attention remains fixed on the 23-time Grand Slam champion. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Williams won 73 singles titles and 23 doubles titles. Her last professional match came at the 2022 US Open, where she lost in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic.
Since retiring, Williams has focused on business ventures, investing in companies including Serena Ventures, Tonal, Noom and Esusu. She also holds partial ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Golf Club and the Miami Dolphins. Away from the court, she frequently shares glimpses of her family life with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughters, Olympia and Adira.
Tennis has a history of stars mounting successful comebacks after extended breaks.
Kim Clijsters retired in 2007 at age 23 because of injuries and motherhood, giving birth to her daughter, Jada. She stunned the sport by winning the 2009 US Open as an unranked wildcard, becoming the first mother to claim a major since 1980 and defeating Venus and Serena Williams along the way. She defended her title in 2010, added the 2011 Australian Open, reclaimed the No. 1 ranking, and retired again in 2012 with four majors. A brief comeback in 2020 ended with early exits.
Monica Seles was sidelined for more than two years after being stabbed on court in 1993 by a Steffi Graf fan. She returned in 1995 and won the 1996 Australian Open, her ninth major, while also reaching the US Open final that year. Although she never regained her peak dominance, she remained in the top 10 into 2002 before retiring in 2003.