Serena Williams Sparks Comeback Talk as ITIA Watch List Reemerges

Serena Williams and the ITIA Watch List Reemergence

Retired American tennis icon Serena Williams, who has been away from the court since 2022, is again signaling a possible return. The chatter intensified after her name reportedly appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency's (ITIA) anti-doping watchlist, a development that commonly stirs speculation about comebacks.

The 44-year-old, holder of 23 Grand Slam titles, has not competed since her third-round exit at the 2022 US Open at Flushing Meadows, leaving her one major title short of the all-time record. Williams did not confirm a comeback in a message she posted on Instagram on Tuesday: 'Oh my God! I can't believe this. This hype is crazy.'

Adrian Baskett, ITIA spokesman, told AFP in London that reports were accurate: Williams has indeed been listed again on the anti-doping watchlist. The absence from competition since 2022 continues to stoke debate about whether she will return to the sport she has shaped for two decades.

A Quick Look at 2022, Venus’ Return, and What It Could Mean

In 2022, after losing to Ajla Tomljanović in the US Open, Williams said she did not want to use the word retirement, preferring to say she was evolving away from tennis. Her sister Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, returned to the court this summer at 45 after an 18-month break. When Venus came back in Washington in July, she said she hoped Serena would rejoin the tour. 'I keep telling my team: the one thing that would make things better is having her here. We've always done everything together, so I miss her, of course. If she returns, I am sure she will tell you,' Venus told reporters.

Serena Williams remains one of the game's most influential figures, and fans will watch closely to see if the whisper becomes a rally. The sport's community has not ruled out a late return, even as questions about age, form, and the ITIA’s monitoring framework persist.

For now, the tennis world waits to see whether this is a genuine comeback bid or a well-timed chatter that keeps everyone sharp like a good service ace. Either way, the show would attract a crowd—because Serena doesn't just play tennis; she redefines the sport’s narrative.

Punchline 1: If she returns, the trophy shelf might need a mortgage. Punchline 2: Serena’s serve isn’t just a shot—it’s a lifestyle upgrade for the whole tour.