Serena Williams sent the tennis world into meltdown last month, sending signals that suggested she may be returning to the sport in 2026.
This notion was sparked after her name was spotted in the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) testing pool for the new year, which is required for any professional player.
This is no mean feat either, with numerous players having complained about the frustration associated with this particular area of the sport.
Alas, it has provided plenty of fodder for conversation, with Danielle Collins and Brad Gilbert both having now weighed in.
The likelihood of Serena Williams’ return to tennis
Chatting on the Tennis Channel’s Big T Podcast, their initial goal was to break down the upcoming Australian Open.
However, that swiftly devolved into more discussion about Serena Williams, with both pundits being asked to give a percentage chance for the likelihood of the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s return to tennis in 2026.
Would you be excited to watch Serena Williams in 2026?
Collins claimed: “50%. I really think that she’s going to be coming back to the tour at some point. The fact that she entered drug testing, that makes no [sense].”
Gilbert, who has enjoyed spells coaching Andy Murray, Andre Agassi and Coco Gauff, added: “It’s an interesting thing why you would come back to the drug testing, because that’s not exactly a fun thing.
“I have this feeling that if we see Serena back, it’s going to be at the ‘26 US Open playing doubles with her sister, and it will be Venus’ last match and last tournament as well. So I think if it’s going to happen, it’s going to be Venus that tries to get her. So I’ll give it a 39.57% chance of happening.”
What has Serena Williams said about her potential comeback?
Williams has, unsurprisingly, remained coy on this particular topic ever since her name was seen in that testing pool for the new year.
Naturally, this sparked plenty of intrigue, but she was swift to shut it down just last month.
How far will Venus Williams go at the Australian Open?
She took to X to write: “I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Venus Williams, when asked about this particular topic, added: “Hey, I can only speak for myself.
“All I know is that I can’t get her on the court. She doesn’t practice.”
Serena retired from professional tennis in 2022.
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