Serena Williams Eligible for Return on 22 February — But Will She?

Tennis legend Serena Williams is officially eligible to return to competitive tennis from Sunday, 22 February, but there’s no clear sign yet of whether the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion will step back onto the court.

Her name appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) reinstatement list, which means Williams has fulfilled key conditions — including six months in the anti-doping testing pool — and could now compete in WTA events. The ITIA confirmed the listing to BBC Sport.

However, Williams has not made any official comeback announcement since retiring after the 2022 US Open. At the time, she referred to the decision as “evolving away” from tennis, not a formal retirement.

Mixed Signals on a Comeback

In December, it was confirmed that Williams had re-entered the drug testing pool, a move often seen as a precursor to a return. Yet shortly after, the 44-year-old tweeted:

“I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”

But during a January interview on NBC’s Today Show, she fueled speculation by refusing to completely shut the door on a return:

“I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens,” she said, before coyly adding, “It’s not a maybe,” when pressed further.

Williams’ recent appearance in a weight-loss drug commercial during the Super Bowl and her candid talk about post-retirement life keep her in the public eye — but her competitive intentions remain unclear.

Serena’s Remarkable Legacy

Should Williams return, it would be one of the most iconic comebacks in tennis history. Her list of achievements includes:

• 23 Grand Slam singles titles — the most by any woman in the Open Era

• Seven Australian Open titles, seven Wimbledons, six US Opens, and three French Opens

• 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with sister Venus Williams

• Four Olympic gold medals (three in doubles, one in singles)

Only Margaret Court (24) and Novak Djokovic (24) have won more major singles titles in tennis history.

Will She or Won’t She?

Though her eligibility is now official, questions remain. The WTA and her management team have not commented. With Venus Williams still active on tour, the idea of a doubles reunion or farewell appearance remains a fan dream.

“If I want to put it [rumors] to bed… I want to go to bed,” Williams joked in her latest interview — a fittingly cryptic Serena response.

Whether or not she returns, Serena Williams remains one of the most influential and accomplished athletes in tennis — and sports — history.