Serena Williams Back in Testing Pool, But Maintains Retirement
Serena Williams, 44, has re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) International registered testing Pool as of October 6th, according to an updated list. The ITIA confirmed Williams notified them of her desire to be reinstated,making her subject to the agency’s “whereabouts” rules – requiring players to provide their location for potential random drug testing and remain accessible for an hour each day.
Though, Williams swiftly denied any plans for a competitive return to tennis. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she stated, “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy-.”
The testing pool primarily includes the top 100 men’s and women’s singles players,elite doubles and wheelchair players,and those seeking to return after a prolonged absence from competition. Re-entry into the pool requires six months of compliance before tournament eligibility.
Officials from the WTA Tour and the United States Tennis Association, speaking anonymously, expressed unawareness of Williams’ re-entry. While reinstatement in October would allow her to compete again from April 2026,speculation has centered on a potential return to the U.S. open mixed doubles tournament, which now features wild-card pairings. Williams boasts a decorated doubles career, including 14 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals alongside her sister, Venus, who continues to compete.
Despite the possibility of a return to singles, given Williams’ competitive history, she has not indicated any such intention. Her sister, Venus, 45, demonstrated her continued singles capability last year with a victory over Peyton Stearns at the Citi open. A return would also open the door for a potential appearance at Wimbledon, a tournament Williams won seven times.
In the past year,Williams has become a brand ambassador for telehealth company Ro,which sells GLP-1 weight-loss medications,and her husband,Alexis Ohanian,is an investor and board member of the company. Williams has publicly discussed her personal use of these medications and her past struggles with body image during her career, noting the contrast between her physique and the traditionally lean build of other athletes.
Currently, GLP-1 medications are not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), though the association is actively monitoring and studying their potential impact on athletic performance.
