By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Photo credit: Corleve/Mark Peterson
Serena Williams has shot down reports of a 2026 comeback to the pro circuit.
The former world No. 1 declared “I’m NOT coming back” in a social media post on Tuesday, a few hours after reports spread around the world that the 23-time Grand Slam champion was preparing for a potential comeback.
Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy-
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 2, 2025
The 44-year-old Serena reportedly applied for reinstatement to the WTA Tour, Bounces’ Ben Rothenberg reported. Bounces reported Serena actually had hoped to be reinstated to play the 2025 US Open doubles alongside sister Venus Williams, however paperwork was not filed in time. Venus Williams went on to partner former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez and the pair, enjoying massive support from Louis Armstrong Stadium fans, made an inspired run to the US Open quarterfinals.
Four-time Olympic gold-medal champion Serena has shed 31 pounds using the weight-loss drug Ro and adhering to a daily training regimen. Serena, sporting the six-pack abs she had during her peak playing years, told The Today Show she plans to run a half marathon in the future.
Now, the owner of 73 career titles says she’s not intending on another run at resuming her pro tennis career.
