Serena Williams reacts to comeback speculation: 'I don't know'

Sarena Williams re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool in December, sparking speculation about a return, but later denied that she was planning a comeback, on asking if she could make a return, she replied "I don't know. I'm just going to see what happens."

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, now 44 and a mother of two, has not played since losing in the third round of the 2022 US Open.



She was asked again about a return on the television show 'Today' on Wednesday and did not confirm any plans but also did not rule it out.

"I'm just having fun and enjoying my life right now," Williams said.

Asked why she had re-entered the anti-doping testing program, Williams said: "Did I re-enter? I didn't know if I was out. Listen, I can't discuss this."

During the Australian Open, former world number one and now commentator Jim Courier said being in the anti-doping testing pool is demanding.

Athletes must regularly provide details of their location for sample collection and complete six months of testing before they can return to competition.

"No person that doesn't have intentions to play professional tennis is going to put themselves in that list, especially someone who has as much experience doing it as Serena Williams," Courier said.

"Serena denied (in December) she's coming back, but I think unless she gets injured there is no doubt she's going to play somewhere at some point.

"Whether that's the mixed doubles at the US Open, whether that's doubles with her sister somewhere, whether it's singles, only she knows.

"But there's no other way to interpret that."

Venus Williams, Serena’s sister, played at the ongoing Australian Open in Melbourne at age 45 after receiving a wildcard and lost in the first round.

She also competed in tournaments in Auckland and Hobart after returning to tennis in July following nearly two years away.

The Williams sisters won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles as a pair and three Olympic gold medals.



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