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Serena Williams Declines to Rule Out Tennis Return in ‘Today’ Interview

Her evasive answers revived questions as a late‑2025 reentry to tennis’s testing pool sets up a possible eligibility window under the six‑month rule.

Overview

  • Pressed on NBC’s Today show, Williams would not give a yes or no on a comeback and said, “I can’t discuss this,” when asked about reentering the anti‑doping pool.
  • She emphasized life at home with her two children and described her occupation as a stay‑at‑home mom, even as she avoided a definitive statement on her plans.
  • Williams’ name appeared on ITIA testing‑pool lists in late 2025 after she had stepped away in 2022, though she posted in December: “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back.”
  • Under tennis rules, players rejoining the pool generally must complete six months of testing before competing, which analysts say could make spring or summer events theoretically possible.
  • Top players at the Australian Open said a return would be welcome, and Venus Williams’ recent appearances keep doubles chatter alive, but no comeback has been announced.