Four-time Grand Slam champion says she won’t stay on tour if first-round losses become the norm, casting doubt on tennis future

March 22, 2026 | 5 min read

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Naomi Osaka walked off Court 5 in Miami with her head down. Hours later, she walked into a press conference and dropped a truth bomb that has the tennis world holding its breath.

The 28-year-old, seeded 16th after receiving a first-round bye, fell to Australian qualifier Talia Gibson 7-5, 6-4 in a sluggish, error-strewn performance. It was her first match since withdrawing from the Australian Open with a chronic abdominal injury. It was her fourth loss in her last five matches.

And it prompted a brutal self-assessment.

 

“For me, like I said last year, I’m not going to stay on tour if I’m losing in the first round,” Osaka told reporters. “I’d rather just be a great mom and be there for my daughter. Because for me, I want to win titles and I want to be the best player I can, but if I have to sacrifice having a lot of time with my daughter, I’d rather not do it.”

Osaka’s words carried the weight of a player caught between two identities.

 

“I feel like this also is a dilemma for me,” Osaka said. “Obviously, I would love to play, but like I said last year… for me, my daughter is very important, and I want to be a mom. I want to be the best mom I can, but sometimes I feel like I know what I have to do to become a really good player, and it’s very difficult.”

The solution she’s landed on: an abbreviated clay season.

“I’m not going to play Charleston. I hope I can play Madrid, Rome and then obviously the French Open.”

Gibson, 21, arrived in Miami with momentum—she’d already beaten Ekaterina Alexandrova, Clara Tauson, and Jasmine Paolini at Indian Wells. Against Osaka, she was simply better.

 

“I was able to draw on some experiences from Indian Wells to stay calm,” Gibson said afterward. “It’s been really cool to see what I am capable of, and it’s really exciting for me.”

The Australian qualifier now has four top-20 wins in three weeks. Osaka has four losses in her last five matches.

Osaka’s post-pregnancy return has been a physical battle. She was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open in January after her chronic abdominal injury—which she says is connected to her pregnancy—flared up again.

In Miami, she joked about struggling with a back injury.

“Your girl’s getting old out here,” she said, laughing. But the laughter didn’t mask the concern.

For a player whose game relies on explosive power, these recurring injuries are existential threats.

Osaka’s defeat was part of a brutal day for the Miami Open draw. The final three British players all crashed out:

 

Jones, who had beaten Venus Williams in the first round, was visibly unwell. “I’ve been struggling with an infection the whole week. You can probably tell my voice is a bit congested… I’m probably at four out of 10 today,” she admitted.

Boulter fought hard but was outclassed by Muchova’s variety. Norrie, the most competitive of the three, forced a third set against the 21-year-old Michelsen but couldn’t close.

Elsewhere in Miami, Jannik Sinner continued his pursuit of the “Sunshine Double”—back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and Miami—with a routine 6-3, 6-3 win over Damir Dzumhur. Aryna Sabalenka, who won Indian Wells, plays her Miami opener later this week.

For Osaka, that kind of consistency feels a world away.

What Comes Next

 

Osaka will skip Charleston. She’ll try to be ready for Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros. She’ll try to stay healthy. She’ll try to find the form that took her to the US Open semi-finals and Montreal final last year.

But her words in Miami weren’t those of a player plotting a path back to the top.

They were those of a mother weighing whether the sacrifice is worth it.

“I’m not going to stay on tour if I’m losing in the first round,” she said.

For now, she’s still on tour. For how much longer? Even she doesn’t seem sure.

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.”

“She Looked Really Uncomfortable”: Rybakina Forced to Move Official’s Hand During Awkward Trophy Ceremony

Elena Rybakina’s swift reaction at Indian Wells exhibition goes viral, sparking fan outrage

 

 

 

Published: March 5, 2026 | 3 min read

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INDIAN WELLS — Elena Rybakina came to Indian Wells to defend a title. Instead, she’s defending her personal space.

The Australian Open champion found herself in an awkward situation during the Eisenhower Cup trophy presentation Wednesday, when a tournament official’s unwanted touch forced her to take matters into her own hands.

Video of the incident has since exploded across social media.

Rybakina, 26, teamed with American Taylor Fritz to win the mixed doubles exhibition event, defeating Amanda Anisimova and Learner Tien 10-7 in the final. The pair collected a $200,000 check and individual trophies .

During the post-match photo session, David Renker, senior vice president of Eisenhower Health, stepped in beside Rybakina and placed his arm behind her .

The reigning Australian Open champion reacted instantly.

Footage shows Rybakina nudging Renker’s hand away from her body, then turning to glance in his direction. Renker immediately stepped backward .

The clip spread rapidly across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, with fans expressing outrage.

“Why is no one talking about how uncomfortable Elena was by that disgusting man touching her that she had to remove his hand,” one fan posted .

“He (Renker) tried to do it twice. No need to feel bad for him,” another commented on Reddit .

A third fan offered a broader perspective: “I just don’t think you have to go for the waist area for anyone. I think shoulder level is the way to go, regardless of gender” .

Some fans questioned why the WTA hasn’t addressed the incident, especially given the organization’s past involvement in Rybakina’s coaching controversies .

Rybakina’s Response

 

Rybakina has not publicly commented on the incident. Instead, she posted a series of celebratory photos with Fritz on Instagram, focusing on the victory rather than the awkward moment .

After the match, she told reporters: “I’m super happy. Hopefully I can do the same thing in singles” .

Fritz praised his partner’s contribution, admitting: “I can’t really volley all that well so it works out great. She serves great too, so it makes my life really easy” .

This isn’t the first time Rybakina has been at the center of controversy involving personal boundaries.

Earlier in her career, her relationship with former coach Stefano Vukov drew scrutiny, with WTA CEO Portia Archer calling it “toxic.” The WTA briefly banned Vukov before the decision was overturned on appeal .

Now, fans are questioning why the WTA hasn’t spoken up about Wednesday’s incident.

“Where are the WTA, Pam Shriver and the other woke pundits now,” one X user posted. “They allegedly care about Rybakina. This old fella is clearly inappropriately touching Elena” .

Rybakina shifts focus to the main draw at Indian Wells, where she’s a former champion (2023) and one of the top contenders. She’ll begin her campaign Saturday against an opponent yet to be determined .

The WTA and tournament organizers have not issued statements regarding the incident.

For Rybakina, the message was clear without words: a swift nudge, a pointed glance, and back to business.

Gauff vs. Pegula: The Battle for American Supremacy at Indian Wells Begins Now

Two Americans. Two completely different paths. One burning question: Who owns the Sunshine Swing?

 

 

Published: March 1, 2026 | 4 min read

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INDIAN WELLS — The BNP Paribas Open is days away. The desert sun is blazing. And American tennis has a delicious problem.

Coco Gauff arrives as world No. 4, a two-time Grand Slam champion with athleticism that makes these gritty courts look like they were built for her.

Jessica Pegula arrives as world No. 5, fresh off a Dubai title, riding a run of seven consecutive semi-finals or better, and playing the best tennis of her life.

Which American woman leaves Tennis Paradise with the stronger result?

We asked Tennis Channel’s experts to settle the debate.

The Case for Coco Gauff

 

The Gauff argument: The 21-year-old has all the tools. The serve can be erratic, but when it’s on, she’s unplayable. Indian Wells’ surface rewards exactly what she does best: defense that turns into offense, athleticism that suffocates opponents, and a hunger to add a trophy that’s eluded her.

The Case for Jessica Pegula

 

The Pegula argument: Consistency is underrated. Pegula has been making deep runs like clockwork. The Dubai title wasn’t a fluke—it was validation. She knows who she is as a player, doesn’t try to be someone else, and executes relentlessly. The knee issue? The only real concern.

The Numbers

Gauff’s path: The serve is the key. When she’s landing first serves and dictating, she can beat anyone. When the double faults creep in, even qualifiers can hang. Indian Wells’ slower courts should help her get into rallies, but they also expose technical flaws.

Pegula’s path: Steady. Relentless. Boringly effective. She doesn’t beat herself. She makes opponents play one more ball, then another, then another. The question isn’t whether she’ll make the second week. It’s whether she has the firepower to beat a red-hot top seed in the semis.

Paul Annacone slipped in a third name: Emma Navarro.

“I do think Emma Navarro will have a good tournament,” he said, even while picking Gauff.

Navarro, the rising American star, has been quietly building. If either Gauff or Pegula stumble, she’s waiting.

The Verdict

 

The experts are split down the middle.

 

3-2 in favor of Pegula. But this isn’t a vote. It’s a tennis tournament.

Gauff has the higher ceiling. Pegula has the higher floor.

Gauff has the athleticism. Pegula has the consistency.

Gauff has the Grand Slams. Pegula has the current form.

The desert will decide.

What’s Next

 

Main draw action at Indian Wells kicks off Wednesday, March 4.

Gauff and Pegula are on opposite sides of the draw. A final meeting would be the dream scenario—two Americans battling for supremacy under the California sun.

And after everything they’ve said about each other? The respect is real. But so is the desire to win.

“She Would Kill It”: Serena’s Comeback Is Official – So Where Will the Queen Return?

After 4 years, 1 cryptic TikTok, and a lot of “nos” that weren’t really nos, Serena Williams is eligible. The speculation starts now.

 

 

 

February 22, 2026 | 6 min read

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The denial is dead. Long live the comeback.

Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion and arguably the greatest women’s tennis player ever, is now officially eligible to compete on the WTA Tour for the first time in nearly four years.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has listed Williams, 44, on its roster of reinstated players with an eligibility date of February 22, 2026.

The question is no longer if she’ll play. It’s where.

From “No” to “Maybe” to “Now”

 

Williams’ path back has been a masterclass in keeping everyone guessing.

The pattern is clear: Williams wants to control the narrative. She’ll announce on her terms. But the paperwork doesn’t lie.

Where Could She Play?

The answer: anywhere she wants. Williams will have zero issue securing wild cards. Tournaments will be lining up to offer her appearance fees that dwarf the prize money.

Singles or Doubles?

 

The 2022 Eastbourne playbook offers a clue.

That year, after a year out with injury, Williams eased back by playing only doubles at Eastbourne before returning to singles at Wimbledon a week later. Her partner? Ons Jabeur.

This time, the speculation is far more romantic.

Venus Williams, 45, has already returned to the tour. The sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together. Three Olympic golds. A combined age of 99 chasing a 15th major?

That’s not just a comeback. That’s a story.

Alycia Parks, world No. 77, practiced with Williams recently and delivered a verdict that will terrify the tour:

“She is in great shape. So I think she would kill it on tour.”

Parks added that Williams hits regularly at her Florida home. The rust might be real, but the power? Still there.

Williams has spoken openly about taking GLP-1 medication, crediting it with reducing joint stress and making her feel healthier than during her career. She appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for telehealth company Ro (her husband Alexis Ohanian is an investor) advertising the drugs’ effectiveness.

WADA’s 2026 prohibited list does not include GLP-1s, though they remain in a “monitoring program.”

Players returning after childbirth? Court, Goolagong Cawley, Clijsters all won titles.

Players returning in their mid-40s? Martina Navratilova came back at 45 in 2002, won a match at Eastbourne, and later claimed three mixed doubles majors—including the US Open at 49.

Williams, at 44, has time to write her own chapter.

Her Last Match

September 2022. US Open third round. Ajla Tomljanovic.

Williams walked off Arthur Ashe Stadium for what everyone assumed was the last time. She’d beaten Danka Kovinic and No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit. She’d waved. She’d cried. She’d “evolved away.”

Except she never used the R-word. Retirement was for others. Serena was just… evolving.

Now evolution is circling back.

No official announcement. No press conference. Just a TikTok serve, an ITIA listing, and a tennis world holding its breath.

Indian Wells starts March 4. Miami follows. The French, Wimbledon, the US Open—they’re all waiting.

The question isn’t whether Serena Williams will play again.

It’s whether anyone can stop her.

Mexican Open Defies Cartel Violence, Refuses to Cancel Despite “El Mencho” Fallout

Tournament organizers push back against safety fears as Zverev, De Minaur, and stars prepare to play amid civil unrest

 

 

February 23, 2026 | 2 min read

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The Mexican Open will go on.

Despite a wave of cartel violence sweeping across Mexico following the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” tournament organizers have confirmed the ATP 500 event will proceed as scheduled.

 

Organizers are projecting confidence. But the situation on the ground tells a different story.

 

El Mencho died in police custody after being arrested in Jalisco over the weekend. His cartel has responded with coordinated violence across multiple states:

• Vehicles torched

• Roads blocked

• Businesses burned

• Residents ordered to shelter indoors

The US government has issued travel advisories for five states, including Guerrero, where the Mexican Open is being staged.

The Fallout Elsewhere

 

Tennis isn’t the only sport affected.

Football moved quickly to cancel. Tennis is holding firm.

Despite the chaos, the player list remains stacked:

Big names. Big risks. Big questions about whether playing is worth it.

The Other Tournament

 

The WTA’s Merida Open is also being staged in Mexico this week. But Merida is in Yucatan, a state largely unaffected by the violence. Top seed Jasmine Paolini and the field should face no disruption.

Acapulco? Different story entirely.

Organizers insist it’s safe. The US government advises against travel. Players have to decide who to believe.

The Mexican Open will continue as scheduled. Whether fans show up, whether players feel safe, whether another wave of violence hits Guerrero—those questions remain unanswered.

For now, tennis in Mexico presses on. Business as usual, they say.

Let’s hope they’re right.

 

“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?

Billie Jean King Named One of America’s Greatest Living Innovators by Forbes

 

Tennis legend honored for “catalyzing women’s professional sports” with the WTA ahead of US 250th anniversary

By TENNIS.com
Published: February 12, 2026 | 2 min read

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NEW YORK — Billie Jean King has added another honor to her storied legacy: the 82-year-old tennis icon has been named one of America’s greatest living innovators by Forbes magazine.

King ranks No. 208 on the publication’s Innovator 250 List—a celebration of “business leaders, founders and entrepreneurs who aren’t just inventors, but have transformed entire industries and created new ones.” The list is part of Forbes‘ year-long campaign commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

“Few stand as tall in the world of women’s sports as Billie Jean King,” Forbes wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

King was recognized specifically for having “catalyzed women’s professional sports with the Women’s Tennis Association” —the organisation she and a handful of peers founded in 1973.

That achievement built directly on the work of King and the Original 9, who in 1970 signed symbolic $1 contracts to launch the Virginia Slims Circuit, the precursor to the modern WTA Tour. Their gamble laid the foundation for women’s tennis to become a global force for equality and opportunity.

King will receive the Glenn Burke Award later this year, which “honors individuals whose courage and authenticity have shifted sports culture.”

From those early battles for equal prize money to today’s WTA, where players compete for millions, King’s fingerprints are everywhere. The Forbes honor places her among the visionaries who didn’t just play the game—they changed it forever.