Serena Williams — one of the greatest tennis champions in history — has unexpectedly reappeared on the official drug-testing register, sparking a wave of speculation about a potential comeback. But the 23-time Grand Slam winner quickly shut down the rumors, insisting she has no plans to return to professional tennis.

Williams, who stepped away from the sport after the 2022 US Open, became the center of a media frenzy when it emerged that her name was once again listed in the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) drug-testing pool. Yet according to the 44-year-old legend, the renewed registration doesn’t signal a competitive return.

Shortly after the news broke, she addressed the speculation with a blunt social media post:
“I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”

Why Was Serena Williams Added Back to the Testing Pool?

The tennis world is puzzled. Registering for out-of-competition drug testing is mandatory for any player intending to compete again — meaning Serena’s reappearance in the pool raised legitimate questions. The ITIA confirmed to BBC Sport that:

• Serena Williams is currently registered in the drug-testing pool
• Her name appears in the most recent public document dated 6 October

However, the reason behind her reinstatement remains a mystery. Re-entering the pool means Serena can be tested at any time, and retired athletes typically avoid this unless actively planning a comeback.

Williams has long rejected the term “retirement,” famously saying in 2022 that she was “evolving away” from tennis. But registering for testing — while claiming she’s not returning — only deepens the intrigue around her long-term intentions.

A Look Back at Serena’s Emotional Farewell in 2022

Serena last competed at the 2022 US Open, delivering one final unforgettable run:

• She won her first two matches in front of star-studded crowds including Bill Clinton, Billie Jean King, Tiger Woods, and Mike Tyson
• Her last match came against Ajla Tomljanovic, where she saved five match points before bowing out in dramatic fashion on Arthur Ashe Stadium

The moment symbolized the end of an extraordinary singles career that included:

• 23 Grand Slam singles titles (Open Era women’s record)
• Seven Australian Opens
• Three French Opens
• Seven Wimbledons
• Six US Opens

Only Margaret Court and Novak Djokovic have won more major singles titles overall.

Could Serena Williams Return in 2026?

While Serena says she is not planning a comeback, tennis rules leave the door cracked open.

According to ITIA guidelines, any retired player must:

• Be in the testing pool for six months before returning to competition

If her registration were processed around 6 October, Serena would technically be eligible to compete again starting April next year.

Still, she maintains she will not return — even as fans cling to hope.

The Williams Sisters: One More Chapter?

Another detail fueling speculation: her sister Venus Williams recently made her own comeback after 16 months away from the tour.

Venus — now 45 — played both singles and doubles at the 2024 US Open, reaching the quarter-finals in doubles alongside Leylah Fernandez.

The Williams sisters share a legendary doubles résumé:

• 14 Grand Slam doubles titles
• 3 Olympic gold medals
• Countless iconic performances as a duo

Given Venus’ return and the sisters’ unmatched chemistry, the possibility of a 2026 doubles reunion has fans dreaming — even if Serena says she’s done.

Despite Speculation, Serena Says “No” — For Now

For now, Serena Williams remains firm:
There is no comeback.

But with her legacy, competitive fire, and global fanbase, any move she makes will spark speculation. Whether she reappears on a court or not, Serena’s impact on tennis — and on sport itself — will remain unmatched.