Former US tennis player Serena Williams sits on stage at the OMR digital trade show in the exhibition halls. Marcus Brandt/dpaDPATue, December 2, 2025 at 9:09 PM UTC·1 min readRetired tennis star Serena Williams has appeared to deny she is planning a comeback.
Media reports on Tuesday said she had informed the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that she wants to be re-admitted to the anti-doping testing pool, sparking speculation the 44-year-old is coming out of retirement.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut Williams posted on X: "Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy."
The Athletic website had said that ITIA spokesman Adrian Bassett had confirmed she was now part of the testing pool.
The Athletic also reported that a return to the mixed doubles at the US Open in New York next August was the most likely option.
Wild cards are distributed for the two-day competition, and Williams' participation would give the event, which courted controversy when held for the first time this year, a big boost.
A comeback by the 23-time Grand Slam winner at an official event is only possible after six months in the testing pool.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut her X post looks to have scotched fan hopes.
Williams retired at the US Open in 2022 and had her second child almost a year later.
Her sister Venus Williams, who is one year older, has already made plans to play in next year's tennis season.
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