Serena Williams quietly re-enters drug-testing pool in step toward possible 2026 return | Serena Williams

Serena Williams has taken the procedural step required of any player considering a return to competition, after the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion re-entered the testing pool registered by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for the first time since 2022.

Williams, 44, has not played an official match since appearing in the third round of the US Open more than three years ago. Although she described her departure at the time as an “evolution” from the sport rather than a difficult retirement, she filed paperwork with the ITIA in September that exempted her from the sport’s strict whereabouts requirements. However, to return to competition, players must make themselves available for out-of-competition testing for six months before being allowed to participate in an event.

Williams’ name was on the agency’s updated list of testing groups as of October 6. An ITIA spokesperson confirmed that Williams had requested reinstatement to the pool, while emphasizing that a place on the list does not in itself constitute proof of a return.

A representative for Williams did not immediately respond to questions from the Guardian about his intentions.

The ITIA registered pool does not include all active players; it is largely reserved for top singles competitors, high-level doubles and wheelchair athletes, as well as professionals returning after extended absences.

Rumors of a possible US Open appearance circulated quietly during this year’s tournament, particularly around the mixed doubles event, which turned into a two-day showcase filled with wildcard stars. But because Williams remained classified as retired at the time, she was not eligible to participate.

People familiar with the process told the Guardian that Williams had considered a return earlier than this fall. An attempt to join the test group was made in August, just before the US Open, likely in hopes of playing doubles alongside her sister Venus. These plans dissipated once it became clear that the six-month testing window could not be lifted, a restriction which prevented Andy Roddick from a similar last-minute doubles appearance in 2014.

Venus Williams, 45, never officially retired and therefore avoided the same procedural hurdles. She returned this summer after a 16-month break, scoring a singles victory in Washington, pushing No. 11 seed Karolína Muchová to a deciding set in New York and reaching the US Open doubles quarterfinals with Leylah Fernandez. She is expected to resume her schedule in Auckland at the start of next season.

Serena’s reappearance on the ITIA documents does not guarantee a return, but it does restore her eligibility schedule. If she remains in the pool without interruption, she could participate in tournaments from mid-2026. It remains unclear whether she intends to compete in singles again, reunite with Venus in doubles, or simply retain the opportunity to do so.