“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
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
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2022 | Williams plays final match at US Open |
| August 2025 | Applies for reinstatement (per reports) |
| December 2025 | Rejoins ITIA drug-testing pool |
| February 2026 | Fulfills testing requirements |
| February 22, 2026 | Officially reinstated as active player |
This wasn’t a snap decision. Williams has been planning this for months.
The tennis world now asks: Where will she play?
| Option | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Indian Wells (March) | High – Venus already has wildcard |
| Miami Open (March) | High – Home state event |
| Doubles with Venus | Very High – 14-time major champions |
| Full singles comeback | Unknown |
| Chasing 24th major | The ultimate goal |
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:
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam singles titles | 23 |
| Grand Slam doubles titles (with Venus) | 14 |
| Weeks at world No. 1 | 319 |
| Olympic gold medals | 4 |
| Australian Open titles | 7 |
| French Open titles | 3 |
| Wimbledon titles | 7 |
| US Open titles | 6 |
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?