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Tennis legend Serena Williams has reportedly taken a step towards returning to competition.
Williams, 44, re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered testing pool for the first time since retiring in 2022, according to Bounces. She last played at the 2022 US Open, where she advanced to the third round before being defeated by Ajla Tomljanovic.
When Williams retired, he applied for official retirement, meaning he would not have to tell ITIA his whereabouts for random drug testing. To re-enter as a retired athlete, Williams must be available for out-of-competition testing for six months before being allowed to participate in an event.
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Serena Williams of the United States gestures to the crowd after a match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia on day five of the 2022 US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, on September 2, 2022. (Danielle Parhizkaran/USA TODAY Sports)
Williams’ name was on the updated ITIA testing pool list on October 6. Just because Williams’ name is on the list doesn’t mean his return to the game is imminent.
The inclusion of the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion is the necessary first step for any retired player who wishes to have the option to compete again. If Williams stays the course throughout, he could return in April 2026.
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Serena Williams gives an interview to Mary Jo Fernandez after her match against Ajla Tomljanovic (not pictured) on day five of the 2022 US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, on September 2, 2022. (Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports)
Williams’ sister Venus took a break but never formally retired, allowing her to compete after 16 months without competing.
Serena Williams first sought reinstatement last August, just before the US Open, according to the Bounces report. However, due to the re-entry process, he was unable to play.
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Serena Williams, in a surprise appearance, speaks at the International Tennis Hall of Fame to induct Maria Sharapova into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday. (IMAGE)
Pak Gazette Digital has reached out to Williams’ representatives for comment.
Williams is second all-time in Grand Slam singles titles behind Maragaret Court, who won 24. Williams, with 23 championships, has taken the first step in trying to get that 24th championship, if she decides to compete again.
