As the tennis world eagerly anticipates potential comebacks from its legendary stars, speculation has turned towards Serena Williams, who seems to be hinting at a return to the court in 2026. Following in the footsteps of her sister Venus Williams, who made her own comeback in July 2025, Serena has recently taken significant steps that fueled discussions about her future in professional tennis.
Reports from Ben Rothenberg indicate that the 44-year-old Serena has formally applied for reinstatement to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. In addition to this, she has reportedly been added back into the drug testing pool, a move that many interpret as a precursor to a competitive return. However, in a surprising twist, Serena took to social media to quell the swirling rumors, stating, “Omg y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” thus leaving fans and analysts alike questioning her intentions.
If she does indeed decide to return, Serena would join Venus on the professional circuit. Venus began her comeback journey in Washington, D.C., where she faced world No. 35 Peyton Stearns, winning their match in straight sets before experiencing a defeat against Magdalena Frech. Venus continued to show her competitive spirit at the US Open, challenging the 11th-seeded Karolina Muchova in a hard-fought three-set encounter and partnering with former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez to reach the doubles quarterfinals, captivating audiences at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The prospect of both Williams sisters competing together again is thrilling for fans, especially considering their storied history, which includes 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and an impressive undefeated record in major doubles finals. This history has led to speculation that Serena might envision reuniting with Venus for a doubles campaign.
As the calendar turns to 2026, Venus has confirmed her participation in the Auckland tournament, which raises further questions about whether Serena might follow suit. Recently, Serena has made headlines not just for her potential return but also for promoting a weight loss drug, sharing her remarkable transformation in which she reportedly shed 31 pounds and regained peak physical condition reminiscent of her prime playing days.
Moreover, Serena has been preparing for a half-marathon, showcasing her commitment to fitness and training. With a distinguished career comprising 73 singles titles and a legacy as one of the all-time greats, many in the tennis community remain hopeful that Serena Williams may soon grace the courts once again. As the tennis world watches closely, her potential decisions in the coming months could reshape narratives in professional tennis.
