On October 6, a name quietly appeared in the International Registered Testing Pool. Serena Williams, the 23-time Major champion who reshaped the sport across three decades, officially re-entered the ITAI's anti-doping program.
It's a mandatory step for any retired player considering a comeback. No announcement or teaser. No cryptic social media post, just Serena's name suddenly among those who want to compete again.
It was more than enough for the sport to buzz and make calculations. Rejoining the pool starts the six-month clearance period required before a player can return to action. Thus, Williams could return as early as April 2026.
Serena Williams unpacked what it's been like rediscovering herself since retiring from tennis back in 2022 and becoming a mom of two. https://t.co/PafVIzI51K pic.twitter.com/A0aA85uoAe
— E! News (@enews) December 1, 2025
Realistically, it would be more natural to see her run and swing during her beloved grass-court swing and prepare for the homecoming US Open, the event where she played her most recent match in 2022.
While never officially closing the door, not even after giving birth to her second daughter, it is now unmistakably open. The WTA and USTA officials knew nothing about this turnaround.
On the other hand, Serena has not publicly hinted at a return since her emotional 2022 Vogue essay. There, she framed her departure as "evolving away from tennis" rather than as a retirement.
The 23-time Major winner never used the R-word, and things have become much more transparent now. While leaving the court three years ago, Williams only shifted her aura to other areas, while it never faded.
Serena Williams© Stream screenshot
The 44-year-old stands on the brink of a comeback that would defy every precedent. While its hard to find players aiming to return to professional tennis at her age and after such an extended break, no player of Serena's powers has ever attempted such a quest.
After all, she has been breaking rules for nearly three decades! Fans are already dreaming about witnessing Serena and Venus compete alongside each other, like in their glory days.
Others would love to see her hear the Arthur Ashe Stadium roar for one final time. Whether she makes a comeback for one match, one tournament, or one last run, the ideal has electrified tennis and made fans go wild.
Maria Sharapova & Serena Williams, US Open 2019© Stream screenshot
For now, the legend and her team remain silent, with the testing pool paperwork as the only hint. However, the narrative is again in Serena's hands, and one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports history might take shape behind the scenes.
Williams entered four tournaments in 2022 after staying away from the court for a year. The legend experienced early defeats at Wimbledon, Toronto, and Cincinnati before heading to New York for her home Major.
The veteran stunned world no. 2 Anett Kontaveit in the second round before falling to Ajla Tomljanovic after a massive battle.
