For the first time since her retirement at the 2022 US Open, Serena Williams is closer than ever to a potential return to the WTA Tour. The 23-time Grand Slam champion is now officially less than two weeks away from being cleared to compete again.
After months of speculation and rumours surrounding a possible comeback, which intensified when it emerged that Williams had re-entered the anti-doping pool in the second half of 2025, there is now a concrete date. On February 22, Williams will once again be eligible to compete professionally.
Back on Court and Training with Tour Players
When news of her re-entry first surfaced, Williams was quick to shut down any talk of a comeback. However, not everyone was convinced, particularly given her actions. Always in exceptional physical condition, Williams has repeatedly teased a return over the past two years through social media posts and training clips.
Those hints have been backed up by her presence on the court with active players. Just last week, world No. 80 Alycia Parks confirmed that she had recently practiced with the tennis icon.
“I actually practiced with her last Monday. And I messaged her yesterday. She’s definitely a good mentor to me, and she’s helped me a lot, especially in my practices. She is in great shape. So I think she would kill it on tour.”
Venus Williams’ Active Schedule Adds Another Twist
And while Williams firmly denied any return late last year, her stance appeared more open during a media appearance in January. When asked directly about a possible comeback, she replied, “I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” notably avoiding a definitive yes or no.
Another intriguing layer to the story is the continued activity of Venus Williams on tour. Serena’s older sister has already played three tournaments this season and is set to compete in both singles and doubles at the WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas.
That tournament begins on February 23, just one day after Serena becomes eligible to compete again. While that turnaround may be too tight for an immediate return, the timing is impossible to ignore.
In any case, all signs now point toward at least one more Serena Williams appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium later this year. A final run, potentially alongside Venus in doubles, would be a fitting farewell for the greatest sibling duo the sport has ever seen.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
