Serena Williams’ name quietly reappearing in the sport’s anti-doping ecosystem has once again ignited tennis’ biggest “what if.” Back in December, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that the 23-time Grand Slam champion had re-entered the registered testing pool - an administrative step required before any potential return. Players in that pool must provide daily whereabouts information for testing. Yet, the move initially came with mixed signals from the American icon. Williams, now 44, quickly wrote on social media, “I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.” 

Later, when pressed during a Today Show appearance about a comeback, she maintained ambiguity, saying, “I don’t know; I’m just going to see what happens,” while declining to discuss her testing-pool status further. On Monday, however, the situation took a decisive administrative turn. The ITIA updated its reinstatement records, listing Serena Williams as eligible to return to professional competition on February 22 after completing the required six-month period in the testing pool.

That timeline leaves a realistic window for the American legend to enter upcoming marquee events - Indian Wells beginning March 4, followed by Miami and the clay-court swing, should she choose to compete. From singles to doubles or mixed doubles, the reinstatement technically opens every pathway back to the WTA Tour for the seven-time Wimbledon singles champion.

But even with the procedural hurdle cleared, Serena Williams has yet to confirm any competitive plans since stepping away at the 2022 US Open. She famously resisted the term “retirement,” instead describing her exit as “evolving away” from tennis - language that has kept speculation alive ever since.

As things stand, eligibility does not equal intent; officials have acknowledged that while she is cleared to compete, it remains unknown whether or where she will actually play again. 

Regardless of her next move, her legacy remains virtually unmatched. Only Margaret Court and Novak Djokovic sit ahead of her in the all-time Grand Slam singles tally. Williams’ résumé includes seven Australian Open titles, three French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and six US Opens, making her the most successful women’s singles player of the Open era in terms of majors. Alongside elder sister Venus, who continues to compete, she also captured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals as one of the sport’s most dominant sibling pairings.

While the tennis world waits for a definitive statement, one current WTA pro has already offered a glimpse behind the curtain.

Alycia Parks shares thoughts after practicing with Serena Williams

As speculation around Serena Williams’ potential return to professional tennis continues to swirl, one of the most intriguing updates has come straight from the practice court. American Alycia Parks, currently ranked No. 77 in the world and fresh off a winning start at the 2026 Qatar Open against Russia’s Diana Shnaider, recently opened up about spending time hitting with the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

For Parks, Williams is more than just a legend of the sport - she’s a mentor. With rumors about a Serena comeback gaining momentum following her reinstatement into the ITIA testing pool, Parks revealed that she practiced with the former world No. 1 just last week, offering a rare glimpse into Williams’ current condition.

“I actually practiced with her last Monday. And I messaged her yesterday,” Parks said. “She’s definitely a good mentor to me, and she’s helped me a lot, especially in my practices.”

While Parks made it clear that she has no inside knowledge about whether Williams plans to return to competition, her assessment of Serena’s level was hard to ignore. According to the 25-year-old, the seven-time Wimbledon champion looks more than capable of competing at the highest level, even at 44. “She is in great shape. So I think she would kill it on tour,” Parks added, a statement that has only intensified excitement among fans.

But away from the court, Serena Williams has found herself back in the global spotlight for different reasons. The American icon recently starred in a high-profile Super Bowl commercial promoting a GLP-1 weight-loss medication from telehealth provider Ro. In the ad, Williams spoke candidly about her post-retirement body transformation, saying she was “moving better” and “feeling better” after using the treatment. The campaign also drew attention due to the involvement of her husband, Alexis Ohanian, who is both an investor in Ro and a member of its board.

The commercial sparked mixed reactions. Some critics questioned the promotion of injectable medication for weight loss over more traditional methods, raising concerns about potential health risks. However, it is worth noting that the drug being advertised has received the relevant approvals for use. At the same time, several voices from the tennis world came out in Williams’ defense.

Among them was Denmark’s Holger Rune, who strongly supported Serena’s openness. “Being overweight comes with a health risk, like alcohol, and seeking help to overcome personal challenges is always the right thing to do,” Rune wrote on X. “I think it’s great that Serena Williams doesn’t pretend it just happened overnight but openly informs about what she did to achieve her personal goals in terms of her body. There is not one right or wrong way here; there is only the way that is good for you, and we should not shame on this.”

Williams herself has yet to publicly address the ITIA’s decision to reinstate her to the Tour. While that administrative step does not guarantee a return, it does officially clear the path should she decide to compete again. The timing has only added fuel to the fire, coming just 24 hours after her Super Bowl appearance, where she also revealed that the treatment helped reduce knee joint stress, stabilize her blood sugar levels, and lower her cholesterol. What are your thoughts on these two recent updates about Serena Williams?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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