Serena Williams Responds to Rumored Return to Tennis After Reportedly Entering Drug Testing Pool

Tennis legend Serena Williams has shut down rumors of a possible comeback after she was reported to have re-entered the testing pool last month.

Williams, 44, has registered with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) testing pool for the first time since retiring in 2022, according to Bounces. She last played at the 2022 US Open, where she advanced to the third round before being defeated by Ajla Tomljanović.

When Williams retired, he applied for official retirement, meaning he would not have to tell ITIA his whereabouts for random drug testing. To re-enter as a retired athlete, Williams must be available for out-of-competition testing for six months before being allowed to enter an event.

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Serena Williams gestures to the crowd after a match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia at the 2022 US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, on September 2, 2022. (Danielle Parhizkaran/USA Today Sports)

Williams’ name was on the updated ITIA testing pool list on October 6. Just because Williams’ name is on the list doesn’t mean his return to the game is imminent.

But Williams dismissed any thoughts of a comeback on social media Tuesday, posting on X: “OMG I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”

The inclusion of the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion was the necessary first step for any retired player who wanted the option to compete again.

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Serena Williams gives an interview to Mary Jo Fernandez after her match against Ajla Tomljanovic (not pictured) at the 2022 US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, on September 2, 2022. (Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports)

Williams’ sister Venus took a break but never formally retired, allowing her to compete after 16 months without competing.

Serena Williams reportedly first sought reinstatement in August, just before the US Open, according to the Bounces report. However, due to the re-entry process, he was unable to play.

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Serena Williams, in a surprise appearance, speaks at the International Tennis Hall of Fame to introduce Maria Sharapova in Newport, Rhode Island. (Image)

Williams is second all-time in Grand Slam singles titles behind Margaret Court, who won 24. Williams, with 23 championships, has taken the first step toward trying to earn that 24th championship if she decides to compete again.

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