The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) updated its list of reinstatements on Monday, February 9, meaning that Serena Williams is no longer retired. From February 22 onwards, the tennis legend will be eligible to play on the tour as well as at the Grand Slams.
Last August, Williams sent the tennis world into a frenzy when her name appeared in the ITIA’s International Registered Testing Pool (IRTP). According to the ITIA rules, a player must be available for at least six months of testing before they are allowed to participate in a tournament.
However, in December, the 44-year-old firmly denied the reports about her making a comeback. She wrote on X:
“Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
According to journalist Ben Rothenberg, the 23-time Major champion will complete her six-month period on February 22. Her last professional match came at the 2022 US Open. Nevertheless, at an event in San Francisco later in 2022, Williams said:
“I am not retired. The chances of me returning are very high. You can come to my house and see that I have a court. I still haven’t really thought about it.”
The first two tournaments that Serena Williams can enter are the WTA 500 Merida Open in Mexico and, closer to home, the WTA 250 ATX Open in Austin, Texas. Both events begin on February 23. She could also choose to play at the WTA 1000 Indian Wells and the Miami Open, beginning March 4 and March 17, respectively.
Some fans believe that the iconic player is returning to play doubles with her elder sister, Venus Williams, who is still active.
“Did I Re-Enter?” – Serena Williams Recently Downplayed Her Comeback Chances
Serena Williams, who said in 2022 that she was “evolving away from tennis,” appeared on the TODAY show in January. Host Savannah Guthrie asked her whether she was planning to return to professional tennis.
Answering ambiguously, Williams said:
“I mean really, are you asking this on the ‘Today’ show? Oh my God. I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”
When asked about entering the International Registered Testing Pool, Williams said:
“Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this.”
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