Williams has remained inactive on the court since her defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 US Open.
Serena Williams has reportedly submitted the necessary paperwork, fueling speculation of a potential return to professional tennis. However, the tennis icon subsequently stated she is “not coming back” to the sport.
The American luminary, boasting 23 Grand Slam singles titles, announced her retirement following the 2022 US Open.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency has confirmed to BBC Sport that Williams, 44, has been reinstated to the roster of players subject to drug testing protocols.
Her name is also present in the most recent document issued by the organization on October 6.
Mere hours after reports surfaced regarding her re-entry into the sport’s registered drug testing pool, Williams took to social media, declaring: “I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy”.
The rationale behind Williams’ request for reinstatement, absent any apparent intention of resuming play, remains unclear. Inclusion on the list entails potential unscheduled visits from out-of-competition testers.
Williams had previously expressed a preference against the term “retirement,” opting instead to describe her transition away from the sport in 2022 as an “evolution.”
Bill Clinton, Billie Jean King, Tiger Woods, and Mike Tyson were among the notable figures in attendance in New York three years ago as Williams secured victories in her first two singles matches at her final US Open.
Her illustrious career culminated in a third-round defeat by Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, albeit after Williams valiantly saved five match points during an electrifying night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
All retired players are obligated to be available for out-of-competition testing for a period of six months before regaining eligibility to compete professionally.
The precise date of Williams’ request for reinstatement remains undisclosed. However, even accounting for a six-month waiting period from October 6, a potential return could materialize as early as April.
Only Margaret Court and Novak Djokovic have surpassed Williams’ record in Grand Slam singles titles.
Her impressive collection comprising seven Australian Open titles, three French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and six US Opens represents the highest number of major singles titles secured by any woman in the Open era.
Serena’s older sister Venus returned to competition earlier this year after a 16-month hiatus from the tour.
Venus, a seven-time major singles champion, participated in both singles and doubles events at the US Open at the age of 45, reaching the quarter-finals of the women’s doubles alongside Leylah Fernandez.
Serena and Venus collectively secured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals, maintaining the enticing prospect of a Williams sisters reunion in 2026.
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