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.
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.
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.
I Was So Distracted by Serena Williams’s Off-the-Shoulder Number That I Almost Missed This Royal Reunion
Serena Williams certainly know how to hold a spotlight. The tennis superstar has always been someone to watch, both on and off the court, but in the years since her retirement from professional sports she’s definitely amped things up when it comes to her wardrobe. Which is perhaps why I almost totally missed Williams’s recent reunion with royal bestie Meghan Markle at the Baby2Baby Gala earlier this month.
The annual Baby2Baby Gala, held in early early November in Los Angeles, is always a star-studded event, but especially so this year. Williams was honored with the “Giving Tree Award” for her long-standing advocacy for maternal health and as such drew in a crowd of all her celeb friends, of which there are many. Including none other than Meghan Markle.
The two California gals have a friendship that goes way back, although they haven’t been spotted together in public in some time. Last summer the pair shut the ESPYs red carpet down posing together is two drastically different halterneck gowns Williams went with bold red scale-shaped sequins and feather embellishment, while Markle opted for simple white silk very reminiscent of her Stella McCartney wedding reception dress.
This time around both women went with classic black (Markle in a full-coverage turtleneck and Williams in an old-Hollywood off-the-should beauty), looking supremely elegant while celebrating a good cause and Williams’s award.
Of course, Markle’s husband Prince Harry was there too. Unsurprisingly, he opted for a classic black suit for the evening, but was sure to pin on a red poppy to his jacket to mark the UK’s Remembrance Day. What a chic trio!
Here’s hoping we’re treated to more BFF moments with Markle and Williams in the near future.
What Bill Clinton told Serena Williams after winning her first Grand Slam at the US Open
In 1999, Serena Williams burst onto the tennis scene after winning her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.
Serena, seeded seventh at the event, defeated Monica Seles and Lindsay Davenport on her way to the final in New York. There, she defeated Swiss legend Martina Hingis 6-3, 7-6.
At just 17 years old, Serena became the first player from the Williams family to win a Grand Slam singles title.
This moment represented the start of a glorious career, one that saw Serena win 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 major doubles titles, and three Olympic gold medals.
Serena, who also won the 1999 US Open Women’s doubles event alongside Venus, received a call from the US president after winning the singles title.
Bill Clinton told Serena Williams he was rooting for her
After defeating Hingis, Serena received a call from then US President Bill Clinton, who remained in the position until 2001.
It is fair to say that Serena was most definitely excited to receive the call from the President.
She told reporters: “It was very exciting. I thought for sure my day couldn’t get any better. Next thing I knew, someone was telling me, “The President of the United States wants to talk.” I was thinking, “Wow.”
Serena was then asked to reflect upon what the call may mean for women’s tennis, as it had ‘never happened’ before.
Serena Williams’ legs give out during intense move sending her lower than planned
When it comes to having fun, no duo does it quite like the Williams sisters. This time, far away from the tennis court, Serena and Venus teamed up with Ciara to prove they can deliver impressive moves off the court too. What began as a light-hearted challenge quickly turned into a moment blending personality, competitiveness, and an unexpectedly comedic twist.
Nothing sparks their competitive spirit like a good challenge, and Ciara had the perfect one lined up. She set the rhythm with her signature dance moves, and the Williams sisters followed her lead, trying to match her style. Their confident, smooth steps immediately caught attention, but they soon realized that pulling off the routine required more than strong legs.
A challenge that showed off their competitive side
Venus was the first to step back, admitting her legs weren’t ready to dip that low. Serena, however, leaned into her confidence and went for the full move, lowering herself in an attempt to match Ciara’s sultry choreography. That’s when her legs gave out, shifting the tone from seductive to surprising in a matter of seconds. What was meant to be a controlled dip turned into an unexpected drop.
Luckily, a wall broke her fall, though it didn’t spare her from bumping her head before slowly sliding down until she ended up sitting on the floor. She intended to go low – just not low enough to end up seated after the fall.
From smooth choreography to viral TikTok
The scene set off instant laughter between the three, turning what could have been an awkward moment into a memorable one. It quickly became ideal TikTok material. Ciara took full advantage, posting the video in collaboration with the Williams sisters, sparking thousands of delighted reactions from fans.
The trio offered a reminder that even legends know how to laugh at themselves. And while the dance didn’t go exactly as Serena planned, she made one thing clear: she’s always ready for a challenge – and even when her legs give out, she still finds a way to win.
Serena Williams Makes Her Position Clear on Not Liking Pickleball, Days After Her Tennis Stint With Daughter Adira
Serena Williams conquered the tennis world with power and precision, but a much smaller court apparently got the best of her. During a recent interview, the 23-time Grand Slam champion made a surprising admission: she avoids pickleball because of an injury.
While she remains active on the tennis court with her daughters, the trendy paddle sport is currently off-limits for the legend.
Why Does Serena Williams Avoid Playing Pickleball?
Williams appeared on “Good Sports with Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson” on Amazon Prime Video when the conversation turned to the popular paddle sport. Hart pressed the Saginaw, Michigan, native about her stance, leading to a candid revelation about why she stays away from the pickleball court.
Hart asked, “Serena, look, I know this is highly controversial, but I have to ask anyway, are you pro pickleball? What the f*** was that? What was that?”
Williams explained that despite her prowess with a tennis racket, the mechanics of pickleball caused unexpected issues. She noted that the equipment differences played a major role in her injury.
She replied, “I’m a tennis player, you know, and so I love paddle. I love tennis, but only because I hurt myself playing pickle. And I’m used to playing with tennis rackets, and that pickleball racket is actually way heavier than a tennis racket, if you can imagine, it’s way smaller. And so ever since I kind of hurt myself, I’ve been like, but yeah. I do, I love to paddle. I think it’s so fun.”
The comedian immediately seized the opportunity to tease the tennis icon about her answer. Hart jokingly framed her injury admission as a declaration of war against pickleball enthusiasts. Hart said, “Well, you heard it here first, pickleball community, Serena Williams hates you. I mean, I don’t know what’s happening here, but whatever. It’s breaking on this show, breaking news.”
Despite the pickleball setback, Williams continues to spend time on the tennis court. She recently shared heartwarming moments from a practice session with her youngest daughter, Adira. Williams shares Adira, 2, and Alexis Olympia Ohanian, 8, with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, the former executive chairman and co-founder of Reddit. Reflecting on the special moment with Adira, Williams added, “This is me sharing my passion for tennis with my youngest daughter.”
This caution with new sports aligns with the physical toll her legendary career took on her body. The four-time Olympic gold medallist battled various physical ailments throughout her playing days, including knee surgery in 2003, foot injuries, and a serious lung blood clot.
Serena Williams knows a thing or two about dedication, but her latest message focuses on something more personal: how true affection manifests in everyday life.
The WTA legend recently reflected on love and how people express it through actions, reliability, support, and effort. Earlier, the legendary American player spent time with her younger daughter, Adira, on the tennis court, teaching her the sport in which she cemented her legacy as one of the greatest women players of all time.
Williams shares two daughters with Reddit co-founder, investor, and internet entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian: Alexis Olympia Ohanian, born in September 2017, and Adira River Ohanian, born in August 2023.
Through a recent X post, the winner of 73 WTA singles titles, including 23 major women’s singles titles, shared her thoughts on love and its various expressions. The American icon added that genuine affection reveals itself through consistent support and presence.
I don’t know who needs to hear this but: Love shows up. If someone loves you they show you in many ways. Small ways, big ways, average ways but they show up. They answer. They are there when you need them.
She shared, “I don’t know who needs to hear this but: Love shows up. If someone loves you they show you in many ways. Small ways, big ways, average ways but they show up. They answer. They are there when you need them.”
After bidding adieu to her decorated tennis career in September 2022, Williams returned to the courts. This time, she did not compete but taught Adira her sport. She shared several glimpses of their practice session through an Instagram post, highlighting their heartfelt connection on the court.
In her caption, the recipient of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports added, “This is me sharing my passion for tennis with my youngest daughter.”
During an interview with Parents in March 2025, Williams shared her admiration for observing her daughters’ growth. Regarding the rewarding experience, she disclosed, “Watching them grow and discover who they are is incredible. They bring so much life, joy, and excitement to everything, and seeing the world through their eyes makes each moment feel truly meaningful.”
Williams, who partnered with Janie and Jack for a special limited collection featuring her daughters, also reflected on the lesson she wants to impart to them. She said, “I want them to always be certain of who they are and never shy away from being themselves. Whether it’s through fashion or in life, it’s about celebrating what sets them apart and feeling strong and comfortable with who they are.”
In every chapter of her life, Williams keeps proving that love isn’t just spoken, but lived, felt, and passed on.
Serena Williams’ Unexpected Admission About Her Post-injury Routine Sparks Buzz
Last year around this time, Serena Williams decided to try something new. “I’m trying to compete – not compete, rephrase – trying to do a half-marathon. That’s my new goal,” she said.
Over the last few years, her social media feed has been filled with glimpses of family life, adventures with her children and husband, and snapshots from her fitness journey. But even three years after hanging up the racket, Williams is facing setbacks that feel very familiar. And, true to form, it’s still not enough to stop her.
On Thursday, Serena turned to her Instagram story with a surprising update. “So, I don’t know what’s happened to me lately. I’ve been so lazy, and I was training earlier this year for a half-marathon, and it didn’t go so well. I mean, it was going good, then I got injured. I sustained an injury in my leg,” she said. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
The 23-time Grand Slam champion knows all too well what it means to deal with injuries. Her worst setback came in 2010, when she suffered severe foot cuts after stepping on broken glass. The injury caused tendon damage, required two surgeries, and kept her off the court for nearly a year. Another unforgettable moment came at Wimbledon in 2021, when a painful hamstring injury forced her to withdraw mid-match. Many saw that moment as the beginning of her final chapter in the sport. Perhaps that memory resurfaced as she prepared for the half-marathon. Coming back from an injury never gets easier.
“That was four months ago, maybe five, and I haven’t really done cardio since,” she admitted. “So, I’m back at it. The half-marathon I wanted to do is in February; I think I can still make it. I just got to get serious. The only thing I’m really good at, like, focus on is tennis.”
But does any actually doubt Serena Williams’ discipline? It was practically her trademark, instilled early under her father’s watchful eye. And with more than two decades of dominance and countless titles, few rival her drive. Injury never slowed her down for long. She even won the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant. Now to mention, she worked hard on her weight loss journey and was dedicated to it for a long time!
Determination and grit have always defined her. But now, even she seems amused by her own admission. “Isn’t that weird? Don’t you find that curious, that I’m telling you I’m not very disciplined? I mean, I am…just not when it comes to doing cardio and stuff. Can y’all relate?”
It’s an honest and open talk with fans who can certainly relate to her. It’s no walk in the park to return to intense exercise after taking a short break, either due to an injury or otherwise. But speaking of discipline and chasing a goal, Serena also made a surprising admission about her tennis career.
Was tennis Serena Williams’ dream to follow?
Last month, Serena sat down with ABC Sports and gave a glimpse into the driving force behind her epic journey. She said, “He’s the main reason my sister, and I played tennis. It was his idea; he wanted us to have a better life for ourselves than he had. And we did, we achieved it. We worked very hard, we listened to what he and our mother told us.” You can’t miss how much family shaped her path.
Reflecting on her globe-spanning career, Serena described it as a dream that brought both highs and lows. “My career has been a journey and a dream that has taken me far and wide. I’ve been to every corner of the world thanks to tennis. It’s brought me great joy many times, and also great sadness on occasion—that happens with every sport.” It’s real talk about the emotional ride behind the trophies.
Tennis, for Serena Williams, has been a blessing, and a challenge wrapped into one. It pushed her to grow tough and stay hungry. She nailed it perfectly: “Tennis has taught me discipline; it’s taught me to strive. It’s given me so much… I’m still benefiting from tennis. And all of this started with my father’s prompting.” The seeds planted early on are still bearing fruit.
Richard Williams’ vision went far beyond winning titles. It was about building character and opportunities no one before them had. Serena ultimately walked away with 23 Grand Slams, 73 titles, and an incredible 858/156 win-loss record. She’s also racked up Hall of Fame honors: National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2025, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame awaits in 2027.
Serena Williams confesses that she has overcome a difficult health issue that forced her to put everything on hold
Serena Williams has never been shy about embracing new challenges, even after stepping away from professional tennis. Last year she told fans she wanted to test herself in a different arena.
But the competitive fire that carried her through more than two decades of dominance has also come with something she knows all too well: injury setbacks. And on Thursday, Williams revealed that her marathon journey has hit a familiar snag.
“So, I don’t know what’s happened to me lately. I’ve been so lazy, and I was training earlier this year for a half-marathon, and it didn’t go so well. I mean, it was going good, then I got injured. I sustained an injury in my leg,” she told her followers on Instagram.
Her tone was light, but the situation struck a chord with longtime fans who remember the defining battles she fought with her body during her career.
Few athletes have endured and overcome as many physical challenges as Williams. In 2010 she suffered one of her most serious injuries after stepping on broken glass, damaging tendons in her foot and undergoing two surgeries.
The ordeal sidelined her for nearly a year. Another moment etched in memory came at Wimbledon in 2021, when she was forced to leave the court in tears after a hamstring injury abruptly ended her match. Many observers believed that moment was the beginning of her final steps as a professional player.
Returning to training with an ambitious deadline ahead
This latest setback may not be as dramatic, but Williams made it clear that returning to form has not been simple.
“That was four months ago, maybe five, and I haven’t really done cardio since,” she admitted. Still, she has not abandoned the goal. “So, I’m back at it. The half-marathon I wanted to do is in February; I think I can still make it. I just got to get serious. The only thing I’m really good at, like, focus on is tennis.”
It was a moment of honesty that landed somewhere between frustration and self-awareness. Fans who watched her fight through pain, pregnancy, and pressure across twenty years of professional tennis know her discipline is unmatched.
She won the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant, trained relentlessly through career defining injuries, and transformed her body throughout a major post-career weight loss journey. Few athletes in history embody resilience the way Williams does.
Tennis legend’s Super Bowl appearance and Drake’s Instagram activity reignite speculation about their complicated relationship history
Tennis star’s Super Bowl cameo sparks speculation
Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance in February, stepping onto the stage during his hit song Not Like Us. The tennis legend’s brief moment crip-walking during the 12-minute show sent fans into a frenzy, but her participation may have carried deeper meaning than simple entertainment value.
The timing and context of Williams’ cameo caught particular attention because Not Like Us serves as a pointed diss track aimed squarely at Drake. The song has achieved massive success, accumulating over a billion streams and winning five Grammy awards, while simultaneously creating serious legal complications for those involved.
Drake recently filed a lawsuit against his own label, Universal Music Group, over lyrics in the track that label him with extremely serious accusations. UMG also represents Lamar, creating an unusual situation where the label finds itself caught between two of its major artists. The legal action underscores just how seriously Drake takes the ongoing rivalry.
Williams and Drake first became linked in 2011 when romance rumors began circulating in entertainment circles. The speculation intensified significantly in 2015 as the pair were frequently photographed together at various events and social gatherings.
Neither party ever publicly confirmed they were dating, leaving fans and media to piece together the nature of their relationship through circumstantial evidence and social media activity. The ambiguity surrounding their connection only fueled more intense speculation about what actually transpired between them.
Things took a decidedly awkward turn when Drake began referencing Williams in his music. His 2016 track Too Good contains lyrics that many interpreted as being about unrequited feelings. Drake later confirmed in an interview that the song referenced Williams, suggesting she may have rejected his romantic advances.
Drake’s continued musical references
The rapper didn’t stop with one song. In 2022, Drake released Middle of the Ocean, which contained explicit references to Williams and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The lyrics took direct aim at Ohanian, calling him names and suggesting tension between the two men.
Ohanian responded publicly on social media with a measured but firm statement. He emphasized his dedication to being supportive of his wife and daughter, turning Drake’s intended insult into an expression of pride about his family priorities. The response earned widespread praise for its maturity and positive framing.
Williams herself addressed the speculation in an April interview with Time magazine. She firmly denied that her Super Bowl appearance was intended as mockery toward Drake, calling such interpretations sad. The tennis champion said she could understand why people might think that way but insisted the reality was different.
She emphasized maintaining respect for Drake despite their complicated history, noting they had known each other for many years. Williams portrayed their relationship as cordial rather than contentious, attempting to downplay any suggestion of ongoing animosity between them.
Nine months after Williams’ Time interview attempting to smooth over any perceived tension, new developments suggested the relationship remains far from repaired. On Nov. 19, observant fans noticed Drake publicly liked an Instagram comment that took a shot at Williams.
The rapper had posted several photos from a tennis-themed photoshoot with fellow artist Sexyy Red. He captioned the images with a playful reference to tennis lessons and jewelry. However, the comment section became the real story when Drake engaged with remarks comparing the situation to Williams.
One commenter wrote that the photoshoot represented a Serena Williams upgrade, adding fire emojis for emphasis. Drake’s decision to like this specific comment didn’t go unnoticed by his millions of followers, who quickly screenshot and shared the interaction across social media platforms.
Fans immediately called out the move as messy and petty, questioning why Drake would publicly endorse a comment disparaging Williams. The action seemed to contradict Williams’ earlier statements about their relationship being respectful and free of negative feelings.
The Instagram like generated substantial discussion across social media platforms as users debated Drake’s motivations and the state of his relationship with Williams. Many characterized the action as unnecessarily petty, particularly given Williams’ attempts to downplay any feud earlier in the year.
Others defended Drake, suggesting he was simply engaging with his fans and may not have intended the like as a serious statement about Williams. Some pointed out that celebrities often like comments without fully considering how their actions might be interpreted by millions of observers.
The incident highlighted the challenges public figures face navigating social media interactions, where even simple gestures like liking a comment can spark widespread speculation and controversy. Drake’s Instagram activity remains closely monitored by fans eager to decode any hints about his relationships and rivalries.
Context of ongoing Drake tensions
Drake’s apparent willingness to engage with negative comments about Williams fits into a broader pattern of the rapper finding himself embroiled in various public disputes. His legal action against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics represents just one front in what appears to be an increasingly complicated public image situation.
The lawsuit itself has raised eyebrows throughout the music industry, with some questioning the wisdom of suing his own label. The legal strategy puts Universal Music Group in an extremely awkward position, potentially damaging relationships that typically benefit both artist and label.
Meanwhile, Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance cemented Not Like Us as a cultural phenomenon beyond just hip hop circles. Having Williams appear during that specific song amplified the moment’s impact, whether or not she intended any message toward Drake.
Williams maintains focus on tennis legacy
Throughout the various Drake-related controversies, Williams has largely maintained her focus on tennis legacy matters and business ventures. The retired champion continues building her brand and spending time with her family, seemingly unbothered by ongoing speculation about past relationships.
Her appearance at the Super Bowl represented a celebration of hip hop culture and support for Lamar’s historic performance rather than any calculated statement about Drake. However, the interpretation of her cameo remains subject to individual perspective and the complicated history between all parties involved.
The situation demonstrates how past relationships and unresolved tensions can continue generating headlines years after the original connections faded, particularly when all parties involved maintain high public profiles across entertainment and sports.
Serena Williams Serves Power and Drama in a Daring Black Lace Ensemble
Serena Williams turned heads on Thursday, November 20, after posting a striking new set of photos to Instagram, showing off her bold fashion sense and confident energy.
The tennis legend and entrepreneur, 44, posed against a black-and-white striped wall while dressed in a sheer black lace dress paired with a structured black blazer draped over her shoulders.
The daring ensemble highlighted her sculpted figure and sophisticated taste, while the contrasting patterns of the backdrop made the look pop even more. She completed the outfit with pointed black heels and voluminous golden curls that framed her face in soft waves.
In the carousel, Williams struck a mix of poised and playful poses — one showed her flashing a bright smile, another with her head tilted back and hand rested on her neck, exuding power and glamour. A close-up shot revealed her sultry makeup look with glossy lips and smoky eyes, as a phone camera captured her mid-pose.
Her caption, “Lace me up and lead the way ♠️,” perfectly tied into the theme, adding a cheeky nod to the lace fabric of her dress.
Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, has since focused on her business empire, including her fashion brand S by Serena and multiple investment ventures.
This latest post served as a reminder that the 23-time Grand Slam champion still knows how to command attention both on and off the court.
