All signs point towards Serena Williams making a return to professional tennis.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Williams is eligible to return from February 22.
That follows her six-month stint in the anti-doping testing pool.
Serena Williams would finish 2026 ranked — in the world if she came out of retirement
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Many fans have predicted where Williams will return to tennis, with some suggesting she may compete at Indian Wells, while others believe she will team up with her sister, Venus Williams, at the US Open.
But tennis journalist, Jon Wertheim, has heard a different rumor…
Jon Wertheim has heard about Serena Williams returning to Wimbledon
During the latest episode of ‘Served with Andy Roddick‘, Wertheim said this about Williams’ comeback.
“I’ve got to say, I think this is great,” he said.
“We learned our lesson from Lindsey Vonn to Novak [Djokovic]. If Serena [Williams] still thinks she’s got some juice that can be squeezed, go nuts.
“It would be one of the great tennis stories of 2026.
“It certainly is looking that way, I’ve heard various things, this is more a mixed doubles, or a return to Wimbledon, where she did not like the savor of her last match there.
“I think it’s great.”
Wertheim believes Williams could make her return at Wimbledon, where she lost in the first round four years ago.
- 2022 Wimbledon 1R – Serena Williams lost to Harmony Tan, 5-7, 6-1, 6-7
The American also commented on Williams’ use of the weight-loss medication she promotes.
“I looked into this, these GLP, weight loss drugs, are on a WADA monitor list, but they are legal, so that would not be an impediment,” said Wertheim.
You can bring one tennis legend out of retirement. Who do you pick and why?
“I think it’s great, I think she would be absolutely welcomed back. If this is writing more chapters, if this is about playing in front of her kids, this should not be a point of debate; this should be welcomed.
“I think it’s just a question now of what form it takes.”
Wertheim’s co-host, Andy Roddick, is also in favor of a Williams return.
“Who wouldn’t welcome this? What are we psychos? What are we doing?” said Roddick.
Roddick has no problem with Williams using weight-loss medication.
“I can tell you something that I think I know for a fact. I’m not Serena, I can’t play anymore, I stink. And, if I decided that I wanted to come back, guess what I would be doing immediately? I would be dropping 20 lbs as fast as I can,” he said.
“I would be taking those drugs. You know what becomes easier when you’re 20 lbs lighter? Getting back to the training that you need without getting injured, to get back on tour.
“I think it shortens the timeline for training and mitigates a lot of the risk. The thing with getting back is that if you get injured while training repeatedly, you can’t get back.
“If you start training from a place of 25 lbs less. What’s less likely to happen? Getting hurt.
“If I was going to do it, I would absolutely do it [take the medication], and try to drop as much as possible before I get back to the training process.”
Roddick and Wertheim would both welcome Williams back to tennis, but it remains unclear exactly what she plans to do.
Does she want to play full-time on the WTA Tour? Does she want to play doubles with her sister one last time? Or are we completely wrong and she isn’t planning to return at all?
The reality is, we don’t know.
But hearing what Williams said the last time she was asked about a comeback, it’s safe to say she’s considering a return…
Serena Williams refused to rule out tennis return
During an appearance on the Today Show this January, Williams was asked about her potential return.
“I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens,” she said.
When host Savanna Guthrie pushed Williams suggesting that was a maybe, the 23-time Grand Slam champion said the following.
“It’s not a maybe,” said Williams.
Only time will tell if and when we will see Williams return to professional tennis, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
She’ll be eligible to return 12 days from now.
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