Serena Williams: Tennis great denies comeback despite re-entering drug testing pool
Williams has never been a fan of the word retirement, preferring instead to say he is “stepping away” from the sport in 2022.
Bill Clinton, Billie Jean King, Tiger Woods and Mike Tyson were among the crowd in New York three years ago when Williams won her first two singles matches at the last US Open.
Her career was ended by Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round, but only after Williams saved five match points in a thrilling night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Every retired player must be available for six months of out-of-competition testing before being eligible to compete professionally again.
It is not known exactly when Williams wants his name added back to the list, but it would make a return possible from April, even if he has to wait six months from October 6.
Only Margaret Court and Novak Djokovic have won more Grand Slam singles titles than Williams.
Her seven Australian Open, three French Open, seven Wimbledon and six US Open titles are the most major singles titles won by any woman in the Open era.
Serena’s older sister Venus made her comeback after taking a 16-month break from touring earlier this year.
Seven-time major singles champion Venus, 45, competed in singles and doubles at the US Open, reaching the last eight alongside Leylah Fernandez in women’s doubles.
Serena and Venus have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals together, and the prospect of the Williams sisters reuniting in 2026 remains very tempting.
