23-time Grand Slam champion refuses to rule out return, leaves tennis world guessing—and world No.1 Sabalenka says “it will be cool”

Serena Williams is back in the news. Back in the testing pool. And back to doing what she does best: keeping everyone guessing.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion refused to rule out a return to professional tennis during an appearance on the Today Show Wednesday, sending the tennis world into yet another speculation frenzy .

When asked directly about her plans, the 44-year-old delivered a masterclass in evasion:

“I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”

Interviewer Savannah Guthrie pressed: “That’s a maybe to me.”

Williams’ response? “It’s not a maybe.”

Clear as mud. Perfectly Serena.

 

The key detail: Williams’ name appeared on an ITIA document published October 6, 2025 . Players must spend six months in the testing pool before becoming eligible to compete .

That window closed in early April. She’s eligible now.

The “Housewife” Defense

 

During the interview, Williams revealed she recently listed her occupation on a form as “stay-at-home mom and housewife” .

When Guthrie asked directly if she’d re-entered the drug testing pool, Williams deflected with classic humor:

“I don’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this. If I want to put it [rumours] to bed… listen, I want to go to bed.”

The exchange was vintage Serena—playful, evasive, and impossible to pin down .

What the Players Say

 

Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off her Indian Wells triumph and engaged to be married, welcomed the prospect of Williams’ return.

“I heard that she’s enjoying her life, and whatever makes her happy, I’m happy for her. If she wants to come back, that’s her decision. It’s going to be fun to see her back on tour. She’s got the personality, and she’s a fun one. It will be cool.”

Elina Svitolina, whom Sabalenka beat in the Australian Open semifinals, called a potential Williams comeback “amazing.”

“She’s such a great champion and achieved so much, did so much for our sport and been an inspiration for women around the world.”

The Venus Factor

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller believes the possibility of playing doubles with sister Venus may be the real motivator.

“Williams was playfully evasive in her appearance on the Today show, but you can take the lack of a denial to mean the idea of a comeback has crystallised in her mind.”

Venus is 45 and still competing. The sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together. One last dance at the US Open? Wimbledon?

Fuller adds: “Williams would not even be the oldest member of her family on the tour if she does return.”

Annabel Croft, former British No.1 speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, admitted even she doesn’t know what to make of it.

“I don’t know what to make of it. I mean it is just extraordinary. When you think what a wonderful career she’s had and she now has two children and a wonderful, fulfilled life off the court.”

Croft suspects doubles, not singles, would be the focus:

“I think we all think that it’s something to do with Venus Williams perhaps playing her last match at the US Open. Maybe she’s asked sister Serena whether she’d like to join her on court.”

Her conclusion: “I doubt very much whether she would want to play singles, but anything is possible with Serena Williams.”

Serena Williams is 44 years old. She’s a mother of two. She’s a venture capitalist, a fashion icon, and arguably the greatest tennis player ever.

She’s also back in the drug testing pool, eligible to compete, and refusing to say no.

The tennis world can speculate all it wants. Until Serena decides to speak—really speak—everyone’s just guessing.

And as Croft said: anything is possible with extraordinary Serena.

Djokovic Drops Truth Bomb on Serena’s Silence—And Predicts Wimbledon Return

Serbian legend fuels speculation, says 23-time Grand Slam champion is definitely coming back—just don’t expect her to announce it

 

 

 

Published: March 5, 2026 | 4 min read

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INDIAN WELLS — Novak Djokovic knows a thing or two about comebacks. And he knows a thing or two about Serena Williams.

So when the Serbian legend speaks on her potential return, the tennis world listens.

“I think she’s going to come back,” Djokovic said during a press conference at Indian Wells, where he’s preparing for the first Masters 1000 of the season.

“I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her, but I guess the feeling is that she’s going to come back. Where and how, singles, doubles, we don’t know.”

Then came the killer line:

“If I were in her position, I would hide it.”

Williams, 44, hasn’t competed since the 2022 US Open—or as she famously called it, her “evolution” away from tennis. But she’s never used the R-word. Retirement was always for others.

Since February 22, she’s been officially eligible to compete, having completed the ITIA’s six-month anti-doping requirements. The paperwork is done. The testing is cleared. The ball is in her court.

Yet silence.

Djokovic understands completely. Why announce anything when the speculation does the work for you?

“We’re all excited, and it’s certainly something to look forward to. So we’ll see.”

Where Will She Play?

 

Djokovic has a theory—and it involves grass, strawberries, and a certain sister.

“I would choose that tournament (Wimbledon) for her return, but I don’t know. I think she might play doubles with Venus.”

The logic is sound:

“It would be nice to see, just from my point of view and the fans’ point of view. She is one of the greatest sportswomen of all time, it would be great to have her back.”

Venus Speaks

 

Serena’s sister, Venus Williams, addressed the comeback speculation last summer in Washington. Her words now carry even more weight.

“I’m her biggest fan. I never wanted her to retire. I knew she would, and it took me a while to accept it.”

Venus admitted she doesn’t push for answers:

“I don’t ask those questions. I don’t ask her that. We always play tennis, because that’s what we are, we’re always hitting the ball. It’s a great cardio workout.”

But the longing is real:

“I always say to my team, the only thing that would make it better would be if she was here, like we always did, so of course I miss her.”

Then the kicker:

“But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let you know.”

The Evidence Mounts

 

The pattern is clear. Williams controls the narrative. She announces on her terms.

Djokovic has been through comebacks. He’s dealt with speculation, injury, pressure, and the weight of history. If anyone recognizes the signs, it’s him.

He sees a fellow legend at a crossroads—and he’s betting on a return.

“She’s one of the greatest sportswomen of all time. It would be great to have her back.”

And if she’s quiet about it? Smart move.

“I’d hide it too.”

“It’s Official”: Serena Williams Reinstated, Comeback Confirmed After 4-Year Retirement

23-time Grand Slam champion clears final hurdle, eligible to compete immediately as tennis world erupts

 

February 23, 2026 | 4 min read

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The wait is over. The speculation ends now.

Serena Williams has officially been reinstated as an active player by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, confirming the comeback that tennis fans have dreamed about since she stepped away in 2022.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion is no longer listed among retired players on the ITIA website. She has fulfilled the required period of drug-testing availability. She is eligible to compete. Immediately.

Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg celebrated the news with a declaration that captured the mood:

“Happy Serena Williams Reinstatement Day.”

February 22, 2026, will now be remembered as the date Williams moved off the retired list and back into the active player pool.

The ITIA first confirmed to BBC Sport in December that Williams had rejoined the registered drug-testing pool. That required daily whereabouts filings and out-of-competition testing—obligations reserved strictly for players planning to compete.

Now the paperwork is complete. The testing period is served. The comeback is official.

Timeline

This wasn’t a snap decision. Williams has been planning this for months.

The tennis world now asks: Where will she play?

Venus Williams has already received a wildcard for Indian Wells, though she’s currently expected to play doubles with Leylah Fernandez. That plan just got a lot more complicated.

What Her Former Coach Says

 

Rick Macci, who coached a young Serena and Venus, believes the physical tools remain elite.

“Her biomechanics and serve remain world-class,” Macci said. Indian Wells or Miami are “realistic venues” for her return.

The serve alone—widely regarded as one of the most effective weapons in tennis history—could carry her deep into draws even at 44.

Williams already owns one of the most dominant resumes in sports history:

The one number missing? 24. Margaret Court’s all-time record.

That’s the carrot. That’s why she’s back.

Serena and Venus together won 14 major doubles titles and three Olympic golds. The thought of them reuniting on court in 2026 is enough to give tennis fans chills.

Indian Wells. Miami. Maybe even Wimbledon.

The Williams sisters, together again, chasing one more dance.

 

Serena Williams is back. Not “considering a comeback.” Not “in talks.” Back.

The paperwork is done. The testing is complete. The eligibility is official.

Now the only question left: Who’s brave enough to face her?