Serena Williams has been declared eligible to return to professional tennis from February 22, reopening one of the sport’s most tantalizing questions: will one of the greatest athletes of all time step back onto the court?
The ruling came from the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which oversees drug testing and integrity across the sport. Williams, 44, rejoined the anti-doping testing pool late last year, a move that immediately fueled speculation about a possible comeback — speculation she has alternately dismissed, deflected, and quietly kept alive.
Williams has not competed since the 2022 US Open and last won a Grand Slam singles title in 2017. Though officially eligible to play again, neither Williams nor the Women’s Tennis Association has confirmed any plans for her return.
If she does choose to compete, the first tournament available to her would be Indian Wells in March, one of the sport’s marquee events and a familiar stage for Williams across her career.
Publicly, Williams has sent mixed — and sometimes playful — signals. In December, she posted on X, “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.” But weeks later, her appearance on Today reignited speculation when she refused to give a clear answer.
“I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” Williams said when asked directly. “That’s not a yes or no. I don’t know. I’m just gonna see what happens.”
She also joked about her current priorities. “I have two kids. I’m a full-time stay-at-home,” she said. “When I filled out a form the other day — occupation? Housewife.”
Pressed about her status in the drug-testing pool, Williams sidestepped again. “Did I re-enter? I don’t know if I was out,” she said. “Listen, I can’t discuss this.”
Serena Williams defeated Simona Halep, 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the Western and Southern Open finals at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason on Sunday August 23, 2015.
Her timing has only added to the intrigue. Williams’ older sister, Venus Williams, recently became the oldest woman to compete at the Australian Open at age 45, and also played across multiple formats at last year’s US Open, including a deep run in doubles. For many fans, Venus’ continued presence has made Serena’s absence feel less permanent.
There is also speculation that the revamped US Open mixed doubles event — now scheduled the week before the singles draw in an effort to attract star players — could offer a lower-pressure pathway for Williams to return, should she choose.
