The possibility of Serena Williams making a return to professional tennis has generated a buzz among fans and analysts alike. Currently, Williams appears on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered testing pool list, which typically includes players gearing up for a comeback. This development is particularly noteworthy since Williams has been retired from professional play since the summer of 2022. By being included in this pool, she signals a potential desire to compete once again on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour.
Reports suggest that Williams has filed the requisite paperwork to officially reinstate her eligibility for tournament play. To compete, players must be a part of the testing pool for a minimum of six months. Given her inclusion, it’s plausible that Williams might be eligible to return as early as April 2026, depending on her testing history prior to October.
As fans eagerly contemplate the impact of her potential return, it’s essential to remember her last appearance on the court. Williams played her final match at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she advanced past the second-ranked Anett Kontaveit but was unable to overcome Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round. Williams’ last significant achievement came in 2021 when she reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, only to lose to Naomi Osaka, and later made it to the fourth round at the French Open, where she was defeated by Elena Rybakina.
Her quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, elusive since her triumph at the 2017 Australian Open against her sister Venus, remains a focal point for her fans. If Williams does decide to return, her first opportunity to contest a Grand Slam would be the French Open in late May of 2026, as the Australian Open takes place much earlier in January.
While speculation about Williams’ future continues, the focus shifts to the upcoming Australian Open; the odds for the women’s tournament indicate strong contenders already. Aryna Sabalenka emerges as a favorite, holding odds of +200. The current world No. 1 has reached the Australian Open finals for three consecutive years, clinching titles in both 2023 and 2024 while finishing as a runner-up in the last installment to Madison Keys. Sabalenka remains formidable, ending 2025 with a record of 14 wins out of 16 matches.
Close behind her is Iga Swiatek, whose odds sit at +400. Known primarily for her prowess on clay, Swiatek still commands respect across surfaces, having secured titles at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in the past. Although her consistency at the Australian Open has yet to yield a championship match appearance, her previous semifinal outings indicate her capability.
Elena Rybakina, listed with odds of +750, concluded her recent season impressively with victories in both Ningbo and the WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating top players like Sabalenka. Also notable is Coco Gauff at +800. Despite battling with serve-related issues throughout the season, she managed to capture the title at Roland Garros and has consistently performed well in her Australian Open runs.
Another talent to watch is Mirra Andreeva, who holds odds of +900. The young Russian has shown flashes of brilliance but has faced challenges with her mental game. Despite these setbacks, her ranking at No. 9 showcases her potential, and her experience in reaching the later rounds of Grand Slams positions her as a player to keep an eye on.
As the 2026 tennis season approaches, fans and analysts alike look forward to both the outcomes of potential comebacks and the emergence of new champions on the WTA circuit. Should Williams return, it would undoubtedly add an intriguing layer to the competition.
