Tennis icon, 44, gives coy “I don’t know” when asked about return, as experts say re-entering anti-doping program signals clear intent to play.
Tennis legend Serena Williams has once again fueled widespread speculation about a return to professional competition, offering a deliberately ambiguous answer when pressed on her future plans.
Appearing on NBC’s “Today” show, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion was asked directly if she would make a comeback. “That’s not a yes or a no,” Williams replied. “I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”
The 44-year-old, who has not played since the 2022 US Open, re-entered the sport’s anti-doping testing pool in December—a procedural necessity for any athlete planning a return to sanctioned tournaments. When questioned about that decision, Williams playfully deflected, saying, “Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this.”
Her evasive comments stand in contrast to her denial of comeback plans last month, creating a wave of anticipation within the tennis world. Analysts point to the significance of her re-entering the testing pool, which requires athletes to provide their whereabouts for out-of-competition sampling for six months before being eligible to compete.
“No person that doesn’t have intentions to play professional tennis is going to put themselves in that list, especially someone who has as much experience doing it as Serena Williams,” said former World No. 1 and commentator Jim Courier during the Australian Open. “Unless she gets injured, there is no doubt she’s going to play somewhere at some point.”
The speculation is further fueled by the recent return of her sister, Venus Williams, 45, who accepted wildcards into tournaments in Auckland, Hobart, and the Australian Open after nearly two years away.
Serena Williams’ potential pathway back could include singles, doubles with Venus—with whom she has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles—or special events like mixed doubles. For now, the champion remains publicly undecided.
“I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” she said, leaving the tennis world watching and waiting for her next move.
