Serena Williams has left the door open to a shock return to professional tennis, telling NBC's Today Show she is 'just gonna see what happens' when asked about a comeback. The 44-year-old has not played since the 2022 US Open, but has consistently referred to her departure as 'evolving away' from the sport rather than a formal retirement.
Speaking to the Today Show, Williams laughed off the question initially, then added: 'I'm just having fun and enjoying my life right now. That's not a yes or no. I don't know.' She also revealed that when filling out a form recently, she listed her occupation as 'housewife', noting she is a full-time stay-at-home mother to her two children.
When pressed on reports that she had re-entered the sport's anti-doping testing pool, Williams declined to comment. 'Did I re-enter? I don't know if I was out. Listen, I can't discuss this,' she said.
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who reached the Australian Open final on Thursday, welcomed the possibility of a Williams return. 'I heard that she's enjoying her life and, whatever makes her happy, I'm happy for her. If she wants to come back, that's her decision. It's going to be fun to see her back on tour.'
The 23-time grand slam singles champion had dismissed comeback speculation in December, tweeting: 'Omg yall I'm NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.' At the time, reports linked her to a potential doubles partnership with sister Venus, who remains active on tour.
