Hours after information broke on Tuesday that Serena Williams had re-registered as a registered take a look at topic with the Worldwide Tennis Integrity Authority (ITIA), the 23-time main champion disputed that it meant she was planning a return to the game.
“Oh no, I am not coming again,” Williams posted on X. “These wildfires are loopy.”
Oh, I am not coming again. This wildfire is horrible
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 2, 2025
Williams, extensively thought to be the best feminine participant within the historical past of the game, will retire from tennis in 2022 after the US Open. She has since reportedly requested to return, and her title is included within the newest record of gamers to be examined, dated October 6. The Athletic first reported Williams’ inclusion on the record on Tuesday.
Williams’ longtime agent, Jill Smoller, has not but responded to ESPN’s request for remark.
In accordance with protocol, Ms. Williams formally introduced her retirement from ITIA in 2022. This implies she is going to now not bear common drug testing. Her title stays listed on the positioning as a retiree, however after six months as an lively pool athlete, she is eligible to return to competitors and can be listed as a returning athlete. These gamers (which incorporates a lot of the prime 100 gamers) should present their location always of the day and take part in random checks. It is unclear why Williams ought to be below such intense scrutiny if he is not contemplating taking part in once more.
Williams’ older sister Venus, 45, returned to the WTA Tour in July after 16 months. After her memorable first-round loss on the US Open, Serena took to social media to precise her delight and admiration for her sister, including on the finish of her submit, “P.S. I wish to be such as you too.” Venus was requested a number of instances over the summer time about Serena’s potential return, however she admitted that she did not need Serena to retire.
“I imply, I all the time inform my workforce, ‘It makes issues higher simply to have her right here.’ After all I miss her, like we all the time did all the pieces collectively,” Venus mentioned on the Citi Open in July. “But when she comes again, I am certain she’ll let everybody know.”
Venus lately accepted a wild card to play on the Oakland Open in January. Serena received her ultimate WTA title in 2020, and her solely since coming back from maternity depart.
