Serena Williams, often hailed as the greatest female tennis player ever, will soon be eligible to compete again on the WTA Tour and at Grand Slam events, starting February 22. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has reinstated her, marking a significant moment for the 44-year-old who has 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name. Despite previously ruling out a comeback, she hinted at the possibility during a January interview with “Today.”
Possibility of a Comeback
Williams’ stance has shifted from an unequivocal “no” regarding her return to a more uncertain position. After her name was listed in the tennis anti-doping pool last December, she tweeted a statement denying any plans to return. However, when posed with the chance to clarify during the “Today” interview, she opted for humor instead, indicating that she may still be contemplating a comeback.
Tournament Participation
Williams’ eligibility allows her to participate in upcoming tournaments, starting with the BNP Paribas Open on March 4 and the Miami Open shortly after. She might also consider playing in the ATX Open, beginning February 23, to gain match practice ahead of Indian Wells.
Entry into Tournaments
Williams is expected to enter tournaments using wildcards, as she does not have a protected ranking after her time away from the sport. Given her illustrious history, securing wildcards shouldn’t be challenging, and smaller events may offer her significant appearance fees.
Preparation for Return
Regular practice sessions at her Florida home have kept Williams in shape, according to fellow player Alycia Parks, who noted that Williams is doing incredibly well physically. Williams has also discussed the benefits of using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs since retiring, helping her feel better overall.
Prospective Partners
It’s uncertain whether she will kick off her return with singles matches or opt for doubles first. Historically, Williams has chosen to ease back into competition through doubles, and this time, teaming up with her sister Venus seems likely, offering a chance to pursue a 15th Grand Slam title together.
Motivation for a Comeback
Williams’ desire to return to the sport stems from several factors, including the realization that her time as a competitor is limited at 44. Having observed Venus’s successful return, Williams may feel inspired to see if she can match that competitiveness. Furthermore, with her family growing, she views this as a prime opportunity to re-engage with the sport that has defined much of her life.
