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Tennis legend Serena Williams has reportedly taken a step towards returning to competition.
Williams, 44, has re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency (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 beaten by Ajla Tomljanovic.
When Williams retired, she filed for official retirement, meaning she would not have to tell ITIA where she was for random drug tests. To reinstate as a retired athlete, Williams must be available for out-of-competition testing for six months before being allowed to compete in an event.
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American Serena Williams gestures to the crowd after a match against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic on day five of the 2022 US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, September 2, 2022. (Danielle Parhizkaran/USA TODAY Sports)
Williams’ name appeared on the updated list of ITIA testing groups on October 6. Just because Williams’ name is on the roster doesn’t mean a return to play is imminent.
The list of 23-time Grand Slam singles champions is the required first step for any retired player who wants the opportunity to compete again. If Williams stays on track throughout the process, she 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 officially retired, allowing her to compete after 16 months away from competition.
Serena Williams first requested reinstatement last August, just before the US Open, according to the Bounces report. However, due to the reintegration process, she was unable to play.
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Serena Williams, in a surprise appearance, speaks at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday to induct Maria Sharapova into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. (IMAGINE)
PK Press Club Digital has contacted Williams’ representatives for comment.
Williams is second all-time in Grand Slam singles titles behind Maragaret Court, who has won 24. Williams, with 23 championships, has taken the first step in trying to get this 24th championship, if she chooses to compete again.
