It was the fall of 2022 when fans last saw Serena Williams competing on the courts of Flushing Meadows.
After that US Open run, the 23-time Grand Slam champion avoided using the word “retirement,” instead saying she was “evolving away” from the sport. Ever since, fans have been hoping to see her step back onto the court one more time. Now, adding his voice to that chorus is none other than her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.
On December 26, Patrick Mouratoglou shared his 2026 wishlist. As he spoke about everything he hopes for in 2026, one wish clearly stole the spotlight. Mouratoglou expressed his desire to see Serena Williams return to competitive tennis.
READ: Why Serena Williams’ ex-coach is pushing for her comeback in 2026
Pointing to her recent training videos, he said, “I would love to see in 2026, a comeback from Serena. Why not? We’ve all seen the footage of Serena ripped. She is ready physically. She’s worked hard. She looks so fit, so ready. She loves tennis.”
Mouratoglou can relate: “She posted video of herself playing tennis. I would love to see if she can compete at the age she has, without playing one single tournament for three years, giving birth for a second time,” he continued.
With Williams posting photos and videos of herself on Instagram, showing off her workouts and gains, many fans were left wondering if these were early clues for a return.
“Can she compete with the best? Because she’s Serena; she’s the best of all time. What is her level? I would love to see that. And I know I’m not the only one,” Mouratoglou added.
With her former coach openly believing a Serena Williams comeback is possible, the bigger question is, does Serena Williams herself still have the desire to return at this stage of her career?
Serena Williams breaks silence on her comeback
Speculation around a possible Serena Williams comeback began in September, when she filed paperwork with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The filing exempted her from strict whereabouts requirements, a move that immediately caught fans’ attention and fueled fresh theories about a potential return to professional tennis.
Under ITIA and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, any player considering a comeback must first comply with out-of-competition testing regulations.
This means being available for drug testing for at least six months before entering a tournament. Williams’ name later appeared on the ITIA’s Registered Testing Pool list dated October 6, further intensifying the discussion.
Soon after the news broke, Williams took to X, posting, “Omg, y’all, I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” though her denial has done little to quell fans’ imaginations.
ITIA spokesperson Adrian Bassett confirmed that Williams had requested reinstatement into the testing pool but clarified that it wasn’t a sure sign for a return. “I do not know if this means she is coming back, or just giving herself the option. All I can say is she’s back in the pool and therefore subject to whereabouts,” said Bassett.
The Registered Testing Pool is made up of top singles players, notable doubles and wheelchair athletes, as well as players returning after long absences. So now, while a Serena Williams comeback would undoubtedly excite the tennis world, the final decision ultimately rests with her.
