Tennis legend Serena Williams has put to rest speculation that she might return to professional tennis.
On Tuesday, the 42-year-old posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” shutting down swirling rumors of a potential comeback.
Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy-
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 2, 2025
The chatter began after reports emerged that Williams had requested to re-enter the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)’s International Registered Testing Pool, a requirement for active players to undergo drug testing. Some fans interpreted the move as a sign she could return to the court.
However, an ITIA spokesperson clarified that Williams’ re-entry into the testing pool does not confirm a comeback. “All I can say is she’s back in the pool and therefore subject to whereabouts,” the representative told The Atlantic, adding that it’s unclear whether Williams is “just giving herself the option” to return.
Fans quickly flooded social media, some expressing confusion, others sharing their disbelief and admiration. “Then why did you apply to reenter the testing pool?” one fan asked, while others admitted they were still in denial about her retirement. “The wildfire is a reflection of how much people miss you,” commented another.
Williams officially retired from professional tennis in August 2022 after competing in the US Open. Her final match, a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanović in September 2022, marked the end of an extraordinary career.
In a heartfelt essay for Vogue, the mother of two explained her decision to prioritize family over tennis. “These days, if I have to choose between building my tennis résumé and building my family, I choose the latter,” she wrote. Williams described the transition as painful, saying, “There is no happiness in this topic for me… It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I hate it. I hate that I have to be at this crossroads.”
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