Serena Williams Cleared for Potential Tennis Comeback at Age 44
Tennis icon Serena Williams has moved significantly closer to a potential return to professional competition after being officially cleared by the sport's drug-testing authority. The International Tennis Integrity Agency has listed Williams on its reinstatement page, making her eligible to return to competition from February 22.
From Retirement Speculation to Comeback Preparation
The 23-time Grand Slam champion last played a professional match during the third round of the 2022 US Open, where she famously declared she was "evolving" away from tennis rather than using the word "retiring." Her unexpected registration with the ITIA's drug-testing pool in August 2023 first sparked widespread speculation about a possible return to the sport.
At the time, Williams attempted to quell the rumors through social media, writing: "Omg yall I'm NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy." However, her formal clearance through the ITIA's reinstatement process six months later suggests serious preparation for competitive tennis.
Super Bowl Commercial Controversy
The news of Williams' clearance comes just 24 hours after she sparked significant controversy by appearing in a Super Bowl commercial for weight-loss medication provider Ro. In the advertisement, which aired during the game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, Williams credited the GLP-1 provider for her body transformation since retirement.
The commercial showed Williams injecting the medication in one segment, while another showed her ordering through Ro's mobile app and discussing their new pill-form version of the drug. Williams explained in the advertisement that she had not only lost weight but also reduced knee joint stress, stabilized blood sugar levels, and lowered cholesterol.
Reaction to the commercial was mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment on social media platforms. One user described seeing the sporting legend "pushing weight loss drugs" as "disgusting," while another commented that "we're cooked" because "the greatest tennis player of all time is on Ozempic."
The Road to Reinstatement
Athletes returning to competition after retirement must complete a rigorous testing protocol before being cleared to play. Those who retire while on the drug-testing list and later wish to return must make themselves available for testing for six consecutive months before receiving competition clearance.
This process requires athletes to provide detailed whereabouts information, including their location when not at official events and specific times when they are available to provide samples for testing. Williams' successful completion of this six-month period has now positioned her for a potential return just seven months before her 45th birthday.
Family Inspiration and Tennis Legacy
Williams' potential comeback follows in the footsteps of her older sister Venus, who returned to competition last July at age 45 after nearly eighteen months away from the tour. Venus never formally announced her retirement and made history at the US Open by becoming the oldest player to compete in singles at the American Grand Slam tournament since 1981.
When Venus returned at the DC Open, she expressed hope that Serena might join her back on tour. "I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here," Venus said at the time. "Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her. But if she comes back, I'm sure she'll let y'all know."
The Williams sisters have claimed an impressive 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together throughout their careers, creating one of the most successful partnerships in tennis history. Serena's potential return would mark another chapter in a career that has already redefined women's tennis and inspired generations of athletes worldwide.
