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Deontay Wilder Responds to Oleksandr Usyk Callout With Strong Statement

There is a lot of intrigue around what Oleksandr Usyk is going to do next in his boxing career. There hasn’t been much activity or content from the former undisputed heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound great ever since his KO victory over Daniel Dubois in the 5th round of their July 19 bout.

While every heavyweight has been jockeying for position to be his next opponent, Usyk hadn’t even conveyed whether he wanted to fight again, let alone who he was keen to match up against.

JUST IN: Why Oleksandr Usyk expresses desire to fight Deontay Wilder who

Some believe that his most likely next opponent would be Fabio Wardley after Wardley beat Joseph Parker, especially because Wardley now holds the WBO heavyweight belt. Then again, Usyk relinquished that belt because he had no interest in fighting Wardley, as becoming undisputed again doesn’t seem to be his biggest interest.

Instead, Usyk wants to fight the biggest names. This is why he has expressed an openness to fighting against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and Jake Paul in recent months.

Oleksandr Usyk fights Daniel Dubois next

Oleksandr Usyk Calls Deontay Wilder Out, Wilder’s Team Responds

However, Usyk has conveyed that he has an active heavyweight icon and superstar in the sport in his sights next, which he asserted during a December 1 interview with Boxing King Media.

“I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk said while speaking at the WBC convention in Thailand, per a video from Boxing King Media’s YouTube channel.

When asked why he wants to face Wilder, Usyk said, “This is a world champion guy, this is a very famous guy, this is a strong guy. He is one of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years.”

Usyk has spoken! 🗣️

He wants to fight, Deontay Wilder!

Via: @boxingkingmedia pic.twitter.com/8yiIPcGRsu

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 1, 2025

It didn’t take Wilder’s team to respond to this callout from Usyk, as Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports on December 1, “Usyk is a great champion. We have plans for next year, and we’d like Oleksandr Usyk to be part of them. If we receive the right offer, we would be open to that fight.”

Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel on the prospect of Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder 💬 pic.twitter.com/Z7cKa523ue

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 1, 2025

While this message was technically from Wilder’s manager rather than from himself, it’s obvious that he was behind this fight callout response. And this would be a huge gift for Wilder, who didn’t appear close to fighting for a title before Usyk called him out in this way.

There’s no question that Wilder is a heavy puncher who could potentially put Usyk’s lights out. Still, the skill difference between them would likely make many boxing fans apathetic to this potential bout.

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather Eyes Record-Breaking 2026 World Title Shot at

Floyd Mayweather Eyes Record-Breaking 2026 World Title Shot at 49

Floyd Mayweather is lining up for history once again. The 48-year-old boxing icon will turn 49 on February 24, 2026.

If he steps into the ring for a stunning 2026 comeback, he could break Bernard Hopkins’ record as the oldest boxer to win a world title.

JUST IN: Why Manny Pacquiao Refuses to Reveal Tentative Timeline as Floyd Mayweather Rematch Buzz Grows

As WBN reported, a high-profile rematch against Manny Pacquiao is on the horizon for the coming year. Sources close to the planning confirm that Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 is already in the works for 2026, making it one of the most anticipated sequels in boxing history.

While Mayweather has yet to confirm the rematch publicly, Pacquiao is ready and willing, with the timing of the clash dependent on his pursuit of another world title in the interim.

Pacquiao’s Next Move: Rolly Romero Targeted
Manny Pacquiao, who turns 47 this December, is finalizing negotiations for a WBA Welterweight title challenge against Rolly Romero, a fight WBN first reported exclusively on September 27. Despite rumors of other opponents, MP Promotions boss Sean Gibbons confirmed Romero remains the singular focus.

“Viva Rolly for the WBA,” he told WBN. “The goal is to break his own record, make history, and win a welterweight title at 47.”

The Filipino legend confirmed the news at the Thrill in Manila 50th Anniversary press conference, emphasizing that this is not a standard comeback—it is a statement of championship ambition and legacy.

Why Rolly Romero is the Perfect Target
Romero’s aggressive, fan-friendly style ensures an explosive matchup. He has previously defeated Ryan Garcia and is known for his come-forward approach. Pacquiao’s team sees him as the perfect opponent to deliver a definitive war that both honors his legacy and sets up a historic showdown with Mayweather.

Gibbons added, “Rolly Romero has the WBA belt. He is the perfect test for Manny to make history again.”

The Timeline to Record-Breaking Glory
Pacquiao’s title clash against Romero is reportedly targeted for January or February in Las Vegas. Should he succeed, a first defense against Mayweather could follow, giving both legends the chance to rewrite boxing history.

Mayweather, turning 49 in February, could surpass Bernard Hopkins’ record as the oldest world title-winning boxer if the rematch happens for the WBA welterweight title after May 30, 2026.

If Pacquiao wins, a Mayweather return makes for another historic event. While the path is complex, Pacquiao’s willingness to speak to the media and insiders’ confirmation put MayPac 2 closer to reality than ever before.

Mayweather’s Record Bid
This is more than a comeback story. It is a potentially record-breaking narrative spanning two of boxing’s greatest icons. Mayweather could achieve history at 49, while Pacquiao continues his pursuit of championship glory at 47.

WBN will be tracking every development as it unfolds, giving fans exclusive insight into a fight that could define both fighters’ legacies.

The Perfect Rematch Plan
Early 2026: Pacquiao defeats Rolly for the WBA title

February 2026: MayPac 2 confirmed

June 2026: Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 for the WBA title and Hopkins’ record

BOXING

Why Terence Crawford’s ideal next fight is in jeopardy as title bout c

Terence Crawford’s ideal next fight in jeopardy as title bout cancelled over drug test

Janibek Alimkhanuly has reportedly tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in a VADA test.

According to Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger, the IBF and WBO middleweight champion has delivered an adverse analytical finding.

Janibek Alimkhanuly, IBF and WBO middleweight world champion, victorious in a boxing match.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: WBA middleweight world champion Erislandy Lara punches Danny Garcia during the fourth round of a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

And Janibek’s 160lbs unification bout with boxing’s oldest world champion Erislandy Lara now looks to be off.

Esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael obtained a VADA report that suggests Janibek vs Lara has been cancelled, according to Premier Boxing Champions — promoters of the fight.

Janibek has since released a statement on X.

“I have always supported clean sport, you know this well,” the 32-year-old said.

“I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean.

“I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest.”

Terence Crawford had teased fight with Janibek Alimkhanuly

Undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford had a keen eye on the undefeated Kazakh’s fight with Lara.

It was set to take place on the undercard of Isaac Cruz vs Lamont Roach in San Antonio this weekend, but Lara, according to Coppinger and Rafael, is now set to defend his WBA title against a new opponent.

Crawford, who moved up two divisions to claim Canelo Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight throne in September, said he had his ‘eyes’ on Janibek during an interaction with the 32-year-old’s manager in October.

He later stirred the pot by uploading a video to his social media accounts showing a photo of him alongside Janibek posing simultaneously.

BREAKING: I've obtained copy of VADA report on unified 160 titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly, who has tested positive for banned PED Meldonium. His 160 unification with Erislandy Lara on Saturday is off, per PBC, which is lining up replacement for Lara. Ring 1st with test. Here's the… pic.twitter.com/8WzB0JsbiH

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) December 2, 2025

Janibek vs Lara was set to be a classic three-belt shootout in the middleweight division, but the news of the former’s alleged failed drug test could have huge ramifications on the future at 160lbs.

Responding to Janibek’s positive test, one fan wrote on X: “The boxing gods [are] keeping that dreaded Janibek vs. Crawford fight from happening.”

While another added: “This s*** better not be true. 160lbs division already looks terrible. Then never mind this guy who [has] been feening for Crawford.”

Carlos Adames, who drew with Hamzah Sheeraz in February, holds the WBC’s belt at 160lbs.

He hasn’t fought since the highly contentious draw with the 26-year-old British star, but was in negotiations to box Janibek in early 2025 until a deal collapsed.

Crawford, meanwhile, has teased a potential move from 168lbs to 160lb more than once to challenge for a world title in a sixth weight class.

Terence Crawford looks on after defeating Canelo Alvarez (not pictured) to become the undisputed super middleweight champion during Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

“My gut says the same thing,” he told Netflix after his win over Canelo.

“I’m going to sit down with my team and discuss what is next in the future for Terence Crawford, but who knows, I might go down to 160lbs.”

Crawford became the first male boxer in the four-belt era of the sport’s history to win undisputed titles in three separate weight classes when he overcame Canelo via unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

CELEB NEWS

Serena Williams breaks her silence on shock report tennis legend is

Serena Williams breaks her silence on shock report tennis legend is set to unretire three years after last match

Serena Williams has played down reports she is set for a shock return to tennis, despite re-entering herself in to the drug testing pool required for all active players.

According to tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg, Williams is in line for a return to professional tennis more than three years on from her final match at the US Open.

The tennis icon, 44, who won 23 Grand Slam singles titles in an historic career, has been inactive since September 2022 but has now officially applied for reinstatement.

READ: Serena Williams set for tennis comeback? Rumors swirl as she tea

The decision sets her up for a return to the top level of tennis in 2026, and she has been added back in to the drug testing pool required for all active players.

However, Williams poured cold water on the report later on Tuesday by posting on X: ‘Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy’.

Serena, whose 45-year-old sister Venus is also still active, lost her final match against Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open in 2022, and she applied for retirement with the International Tennis Integrity Agency a day later.

The 44-year-old, pictured last month, is still in incredible shape three years after retiring

But Williams took to social media to insist ‘I’m not coming back’ after the tennis world exploded

That decision meant she longer had to provide her daily whereabouts for random drug tests, but it is being reported that she has returned to that pool.

Rothenberg’s ‘Bounces’ website also reports that Williams had explored the possibility of returning sooner, seeking reinstatement ahead of this year’s US Open, but was knocked back by officials.

It is understood that she had planned to play doubles with Venus in New York – something that will be possible by the spring of 2026, in time for the French Open if she so wishes.

It is as yet unclear exactly when she filed for reinstatement, but Williams’ name does appear on an October list of players registered for drugs testing, seemingly confirming her decision to return to the court.

Serena has been in the spotlight in recent months for her usage of the GLP-1 weight loss drug Zepbound, which she has openly spoken about on adverts for the health company Ro.

She has lost an incredible 30lbs this year, after giving birth to her second daughter Adira.

GLP-1s are not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and are also not included on the 2026 list of prohibited substances, per Rothenberg’s reporting.

They are, though, on the ‘monitoring program’, meaning that usage and effects of the drugs are being observed by WADA’s scientists.

Despite officially ‘retiring’, Williams has previously sparked rumors of a comeback by claiming that the ‘chances of me returning are very high’.

In a recent interview with Net-A-Porter, she spoke in-depth about the scrutiny she faced on the court.

‘In tennis you can’t really be yourself, which sounds weird, but you have to keep a veil up,’ she said.

The tennis icon was recently back on the tennis court with her scarcely-seen young daughter

‘You can’t be too vulnerable. In a way I need[ed] to be seen as this person that’s always going to take my opponent out.’

She was also asked whether she missed the sport, adding: ‘Not as much as this time last year. No matter how prepared you are to retire, and particularly from doing something every day at such a high level, it’s hard.

‘I really prepped myself the best way I could, but it’s something that’s still a little difficult.’

Despite three years away from the court, the 44-year-old remains in incredible shape and recently showed off her bikini body on vacation with her family.

CELEB NEWS

Tiger Woods provides latest update regarding Charlie Woods’ coll

Tiger Woods provides latest update regarding Charlie Woods’ college golf decision

Tiger Woods says he’s relishing the chance to help his son Charlie navigate one of the most high-profile recruiting chases in junior golf — but insists no college decision is close yet, despite the mounting interest.

Speaking at the Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas on Tuesday, Woods, 49, ran through updates on his own playing status — joking about his 2026 schedule, confirming he won’t play the PNC Championship, and reiterating he has no timeline for a PGA Tour return.

READ: What John Daly achieved 11 times that Tiger Woods never man

But when the conversation shifted to Charlie’s future, Woods became noticeably animated.

“It’s been very different, the recruiting process,” said Woods.

“Now you have cell phones. We didn’t have cell phones. We would have written letters that would show up in the mailbox. ‘Oh, my God, I got a letter.’

“It’s just very different how fast coaches can communicate with the family members and the player that they’re trying to recruit. It’s just a different world.

“Not saying it’s good or bad, it’s just different. It’s fun to be a part of the process with Charlie and go through it and see where the opportunities that he has that he has created for himself by playing better, places that he could play, wants to play and ultimately we’ll decide where he wants to go play.”

Charlie’s breakout 2025 season — highlighted by his first AJGA win, a TPC Sawgrass ace and a state championship sealed with a team-low 68 — has made the 16-year-old the most talked-about uncommitted junior in the Class of 2027.

Now ranked No.13 in the AJGA, he’s drawing serious attention from top programs.

Charlie Woods just made his first ever hole-in-one!!

📺: GOLF Channel pic.twitter.com/yEvN3HuYWP

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 22, 2024

Florida State coach Trey Jones walked with Tiger during last month’s state championship, while the Seminoles already boast a commitment from AJGA No.1 Miles Russell.

The Florida Gators have also moved aggressively with two top-10 junior signings and Walker Cup player Luke Poulter, son of Ryder Cup legend Ian.

Stanford — home to Tiger’s historic college career and daughter Sam’s current studies—remains a sentimental heavyweight.

Miami, boosted by Benjamin School teammate Kai Trump — daughter of Woods’ girlfriend Vanessa Trump — joining in 2026, is viewed as an emerging outsider.

Benjamin School coach Toby Harbeck recently captured the mood, telling The Palm Beach Post that Charlie has been “very mum-mum” about his preferences.

“There’s a lot of people that want him,” Harbeck said.

“It’s just where he feels most comfortable. He’s visited a couple schools. We’ll see.”

For now, though, the decision remains open — and Tiger is savouring the chance to walk through the process alongside his son.

BOXING

Lamont Roach Jr.’s conditions for rematch with Gervonta Davis come to light

After the cancellation of the fight between Davis and Jake Paul, the stage is once again set for the long-awaited rematch: Roach vs Tank. But only under the right terms.

The saga between Lamont Roach Jr. and Gervonta Davis seemed to have come to an end. However, the super featherweight champion decided to speak out and revealed the conditions under which he would accept a rematch with “Tank“.

The story between Lamont Roach Jr. and Gervonta Davis has been one of the most relevant of the year in professional boxing. First there was talk of a rematch in June. Then, August appeared as a new tentative date, but none of that happened. Instead, fans received the announcement of the peculiar duel between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis, an exhibition fight with a consolation prize flavor that also ended up being canceled.

JUST IN: Turki Alalshikh Faces Tough Call Over $100 Million Demand For Crawford-Canelo Rematch

Who will be Lamont Roach Jr’s next opponent?

Today, as Paul prepares to face Anthony Joshua on December 19, Roach Jr. decided to take control of his own destiny. Instead of waiting for an uncertain call, he signed to challenge Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz for the interim super lightweight title on the PBC-Amazon Prime card on December 6.

It’s fight week! Statement fight for both Pitbull Cruz and Lamont Roach Jr. Must win for both in our eyes! pic.twitter.com/umwpAOUO6p

— Adams Boxing Show (@AdamsBoxingShow) December 1, 2025

Even so, the echo of a possible rematch with Davis still lingers. And Roach himself confirmed that he does not rule it out… as long as certain guarantees are met.

Roach Jr. sets conditions for a possible rematch vs. Gervonta Davis

During an interview with Marcus Hayes for Fight Hub TV, the champion was blunt when asked if he still wants a second fight with “Tank.” Although he acknowledged that a big payday will always be attractive, he stopped short of getting carried away.

“I mean, yeah, sure… But, you know, if it comes up, there’s a lot of guarantees I have to have, and you know, just in case it doesn’t happen again…” declared Roach Jr.

His stance comes after months of delays, changes and cancellations which he says affected not only his stability, but also that of the fighters on the undercard of the Paul vs. Tank event

“That’s really unfortunate for them… I know what it’s like to be waiting for something and then it doesn’t happen,” he added.

For Roach Jr, it’s no longer just about the belt. It’s about respect.

Lamont Roach sends message to Gervonta Davis

While Davis faces personal problems and obvious professional uncertainty, Roach Jr. decided to look ahead. He made it clear with a blunt phrase:

My legacy will never depend on just one person

Lamont Roach

In the end, the future of this rivalry will depend on decisions that go beyond the ring. Lamont Roach Jr. has already shown that he is not willing to compromise his career for empty promises, while Gervonta Davis will have to decide if he wants to resume a path he left unfinished. For now, the super featherweight champion continues to build his legacy step by step, unencumbered and with his sights set on real opportunities.

BOXING

Turki Alalshikh Faces Tough Call Over $100 Million Demand For Crawford-Canelo Rematch

Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez are circling back for a potential rematch in 2026.

After their first encounter, which many called tactical and uneventful, the stakes have dramatically increased with Crawford’s demand for a whopping $100 million purse.

The September fight last year did not live up to expectations according to some viewers who critiqued its pacing and lack of drama, labeling it as not matching pre-fight hype. Promoter Turki Alalshikh faces the critical decision of agreeing to meet Crawford’s high price tag.

JUST IN: Joshua Looks Spent, Detached, And Ripe For A Jake Paul Upset

A tense moment arose when Bernie Tha Boxer reiterated the necessity of this amount during a conversation:

“Let me say this one last time, if they don’t give him $100 million, it ain’t happening. Them is Crawford’s words.”

Such demands spotlight the potential risks promoters face in recouping costs amid criticism of past performances.

Talks about various alternatives swirl, including younger contenders like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and David Benavidez entering discussions as fresh options against top-tier veterans. This trend could shift matchmaking strategies towards fights that promise action and fan interest over legacy-driven paydays. Icons may find themselves needing to prove not only their skill but also their draw through performance or unique marketability.

Fans may see more competitive match-ups with integrity at the sport’s higher echelons, provided these negotiations lead boxing down this new path. Encouraging an atmosphere where fighters deliver inside the ring will redefine expectations from those invested in preserving boxing’s legacy.

BOXING

Joshua Looks Spent, Detached, And Ripe For A Jake Paul Upset

Anthony Joshua has looked spent and disengaged throughout the build-up to his fight against Jake Paul on December 19th at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

I’ve seen this before from fighters, especially with the older ones who assume that they’re going to win. They aren’t mentally there and walk into a disaster.

JUST IN: Why Oleksandr Usyk expresses desire to fight Deontay Wilder who

That Empty AJ Stare Returns

He had the same detached look heading into his first fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. on June 1, 2019, and boy, did that turn out bad. Ruiz knocked AJ out in seven rounds.

Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) believes what his promoter Eddie Hearn and all the backslappers have been telling him: that this is going to be a piece of cake against the former YouTuber Paul (12-1, 7 KOs).

They’ve been telling Joshua how easy this is going to be, and he’s believing them. He’s totally forgotten about what happened to him last year against Daniel Dubois in his fifth-round knockout loss.

He’s obviously not thinking about that loss to Ruiz, is he?

“I just don’t believe he’s going to be in the ring with Joshua with 10-oz gloves on,” said Tony Bellew to iFL TV about Jake Paul being overmatched against Anthony Joshua. “When he touches him for the first time with 10-oz gloves on, he’s going to get the fright of his life.

Bellew’s False Confidence

The commentator Bellew is a textbook example of the many people who have made Joshua think this is going to be an easy fight for him.

They still think AJ is the young, spry fighter he was when he rolled off the assembly line in 2013, when he first turned pro. He’s old now, at 36, and physically, he could be a lot older due to the punishment he’s absorbed.

Bellew doesn’t want to believe that Joshua is heading toward a loss. After all, he’s a friend, and can’t accept that AJ got old on him and is about to get taken down by a young, inexperienced newcomer Paul.

BOXING

Why Oleksandr Usyk expresses desire to fight Deontay Wilder who

Oleksandr Usyk expresses desire to fight Deontay Wilder who would be open to world title clash in 2026

Oleksandr Usyk wants to defend his world heavyweight titles against Deontay Wilder, who has welcomed a fight against the unified champion.

The Ukrainian has broken his silence about his next career move, confirming that he wants to put his WBC, WBA and IBF belts on the line against Wilder.

Usyk has been absent from the ring since his stoppage of Daniel Dubois in their July rematch, but the two-time undisputed world heavyweight champion is now targeting the American, who had a lengthy reign as the WBC champion.

READ: Fighter Floyd Mayweather made cry with brutal KO suffers huge

Speaking at the WBC convention in Thailand, Usyk told Boxing King Media: “I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting.

“This is a world champion guy, this is a very famous guy, this is a strong guy

“He is one of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years.”

Wilder, who returned to the ring with a seventh-round stoppage of Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in June, would be open to a fight against Usyk.

“Usyk is a great champion,” Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports.

“We have plans for next year and we’d like Oleksandr Usyk to be part of them.

“If we receive the right offer, we would be open to that fight.”

The Alabama fighter could receive the chance to become a world champion again, a decade after he dethroned Bermane Stiverne to become WBC champion in January 2015.

Usyk became the undisputed world heavyweight champion for a second time after he halted Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium.

The unbeaten 38-year-old vacated the WBO belt last week and Britain’s Fabio Wardley was elevated as the new WBO champion.

But Usyk has vowed to unify all four major titles again in the future, telling the WBC convention: “Some people are saying I’m not undisputed champion anymore. Well, that is only temporary.”

TENNIS

Serena Williams set for tennis comeback? Rumors swirl as she tea

Serena Williams set for tennis comeback? Rumors swirl as she teases coming out of retirement

Serena Williams may be inching closer to one of the most dramatic comebacks in tennis history.

Although officially listed as retired since 2022, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has reappeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s International Registered Testing Pool (IRTP), a list reserved for players who could potentially return to competition.

READ: I Was So Distracted by Serena Williams’s Off-the-Shoulder Number

Under ITIA guidelines, athletes must undergo six months of testing before they can enter sanctioned events-fueling speculation that Williams may be preparing for a comeback as early as 2026 or 2027.

Her re-entry into the testing pool is one of the strongest indicators yet that the door to her career may not be fully closed. Despite stepping back from the sport, Williams has consistently hinted that she never viewed her departure as final.

Her presence on the IRTP list, combined with her previous comments, suggests she has kept the possibility of returning very much alive.

Is Serena Williams coming back to tennis?

This isn’t the first time Williams has teased the idea of reclaiming her place on the WTA Tour.

At a TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Francisco in 2022, she openly rejected the idea that she was truly retired.

There, she explained that she still trains on her home court and had recently experienced what it felt like to hit balls without preparing for a tournament-a feeling she described as both “strange” and “freeing”.

In the years since stepping away, the 44-year-old has focused on family, entrepreneurship, and personal wellness.

Williams has also devoted significant effort to rebuilding her fitness, shedding nearly 17 kilograms this year-another detail adding fuel to the comeback rumors.

Her potential return has not gone unnoticed within the tennis world. Novak Djokovic, still playing at an elite level on the ATP Tour at age 38, recently offered a playful but sincere invitation for Williams to rejoin the circuit.

After his first-round win at the US Open, Djokovic, knowing her competitive nature rarely turns down a dare, challenged her to make a comeback.

His comments came after he watched Williams introduce longtime rival Maria Sharapova at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a moment he described as both gracious and memorable.

View this post on Instagram

One Williams remains in tennis

Meanwhile, the Williams legacy continues on tour through her sister.

Venus Williams remains active on the WTA circuit and reached the quarterfinals of the US Open doubles draw this year alongside Leylah Fernandez.

For now, Serena has offered no formal statement about her future. She has been spotted attending major matches throughout the season, keeping her connection to the sport alive.

Whether her name on the IRTP is a procedural formality or a hint of something bigger remains to be seen, but fans have more reason than ever to hope that one of the game’s greatest champions could step onto the court again.