Tennis icon Serena Williams has skillfully avoided giving direct answers about a potential return to professional tennis during a recent live television appearance. The 23-time grand slam champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history, has not competed since her emotional farewell at the 2022 US Open.
Speculation Intensifies After Testing Pool Application
Rumors about Williams making a comeback reached fever pitch late last year when it emerged she had applied to re-enter the drug testing pool. The 44-year-old initially attempted to quash these rumors through social media, writing on platform X last month: "Omg yall. I'm NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy."
Awkward Exchange on National Television
However, during an interview with Savannah Guthrie on NBC's The Today Show, Williams became noticeably evasive when directly questioned about her tennis future. The exchange quickly turned awkward as the tennis legend repeatedly deflected and avoided giving straightforward responses.
When Guthrie pressed the issue, Williams responded: "I mean really, are you asking this on The Today Show?" After Guthrie confirmed she was indeed asking the question, Williams continued her evasive tactics, saying: "I'm just having fun and enjoying my life right now."
The host persisted, noting: "OK, but that's not a yes or a no." Williams replied: "That's not a yes or a no. I don't know, I'm just going to see what happens." This prompted Guthrie to suggest: "That's a maybe to me," to which Williams countered: "That's not a maybe."
Family Focus and Testing Requirements
Williams emphasized her current family commitments during the interview, stating: "I have two kids. I'm a full-time stay at home (mum). When I filled out a form the other day, occupation, housewife."
Guthrie continued to press Williams about her decision to re-enter the drug-testing pool, suggesting this would be an ideal moment to put retirement rumors to rest. Williams cleverly deflected with the response: "I want to go to bed," before the interview concluded.
Athletes returning to competition must comply with strict testing protocols. Those re-entering the testing pool need to provide detailed whereabouts information and be available for testing for six months before they can officially return to competition.
Sisterly Speculation and Doubles Dreams
Tennis fans have immediately begun speculating that Williams might be planning a doubles comeback alongside her sister Venus. Venus Williams returned to competition last July at age 45 after an 18-month absence from the tour, receiving a wildcard entry into the Australian Open where she lost in the first round.
The seven-time major singles champion has openly expressed her desire to see Serena return to the court. During her own comeback at the DC Open, Venus spoke emotionally about missing her sister's presence on tour.
"I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here. Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her," Venus said at the time. She added: "But if she comes back, I'm sure she'll let y'all know."
Unparalleled Tennis Legacy
Serena Williams boasts one of the most impressive careers in tennis history. Beyond her record 23 grand slam singles titles, she has secured another 16 major titles in doubles and mixed doubles competition. Her final singles match ended in a loss to Australian player Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open.
Since stepping away from professional tennis, Williams has welcomed her second daughter with husband Alexis Ohanian, embracing her role as a mother while keeping the tennis world guessing about her future intentions.
