Serena Williams put a damper on rumors of a return to tennis by announcing on social media on Tuesday that she “will NOT be returning”, after a spokesperson for the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said the 23-time Grand Slam title holder had registered with the anti-doping body.
This is the first mandatory step for an athlete wishing to come out of retirement.
The American player has not participated in a tournament since bidding farewell to the U.S. Open in 2022. At the time, Williams said she did not want to use the word “retirement” and preferred to say she was “moving on” away from tennis.
It was unknown when, where, or even if she would ever perform again, and she then posted: “Oh my God, I am NOT coming back. These rumors are crazy! »
His agent did not immediately respond to our request for comment.
In an emailed statement to The Associated Press, U.S. Tennis Federation spokesman Brendan McIntyre said: “We are aware that Serena has filed the necessary paperwork with the ITIA to re-enter the international doping control panel. If Serena decides to return to professional competition, we will enthusiastically welcome, alongside her fans, the return of one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport. »
His decision to register to undergo doping testing by the ITIA, an organization that oversees anti-doping and anti-corruption efforts, was first reported by Bounces.
“She is on the list and is once again part of the group of players being tested,” ITIA spokesman Adrian Bassett wrote to the Associated Press on Tuesday.
Athletes returning to the control group must provide location information, including when they are not participating in official competition, and indicate when they are available to provide samples. A person who retires while on the list and subsequently returns must undergo testing for six months before being allowed to return to competition.
Williams’ older sister, Venus, returned to competition last July at the age of 45, after almost a year and a half away from the circuit; she had never announced her retirement. Venus Williams then became the oldest player to play a singles match at the U.S. Open since 1981.
When seven-time Flushing Meadows singles champion Venus made her return to action at the Washington Open, she said she wanted Serena to join her on tour. They have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
“I keep telling my team: the only thing that could make the situation better is for her to be here. We always did everything together, so of course I miss her,” Venus said at the time, when asked what she thought about a video posted on social media showing Serena swinging a racket.
“And if she comes back, then I’m sure she’ll let you know,” she added.
