Serena Williams has firmly quashed speculation about a return to professional tennis, sending a clear message on social media: she is not coming back.
The 44-year-old American legend, who retired after a farewell tour following the 2022 US Open, became the subject of renewed comeback rumours this week after her name appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) list of players registered for anti-doping tests.
Williams, who has focused on her family life with husband Alexis Ohanian and their two daughters, took to X to address the chatter directly. “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” she wrote, leaving no doubt about her decision to remain retired.
Her presence on the ITIA list had sparked speculation that she might attempt a comeback, possibly in doubles with sister Venus Williams, who is still active on the WTA Tour. The ITIA list, however, simply includes professionals eligible for out-of-competition doping tests, a requirement for anyone intending to compete in sanctioned events.
Since retiring, Williams has largely stayed away from tennis, though she has made public appearances, including a memorable performance alongside Kendrick Lamar during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Despite being just one Grand Slam title shy of the all-time record held by Margaret Court (24), Serena Williams appears content to leave her legendary tennis career behind. She and Venus, who together claimed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals, remain an iconic pair in the sport’s history—but a return to the court seems firmly off the table.
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