Serena Williams had fans incredibly excited when news emerged recently that pointed towards a comeback to tennis.
It looked as though Williams may be returning when she registered with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the sport’s drug testing body.
It is mandatory for players to complete six months of testing before they are allowed to return to tour-level competition.
However, Williams shut down the rumours when she took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say: “Oh my god, y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Though the 23-time major champion has denied the possibility of a blockbuster return, many fans are still hopeful it will happen, and some think she would still be competitive in today’s game, including former WTA star Anna Chakvetadze.
Anna Chakvetadze discusses Serena Williams’ potential return
Chakvetadze, who has beaten Williams before on the WTA Tour, said in an interview with Tennis 365: “Serena is a legend of our sport and one of the greatest champions in history.
“If she ever decides to return, it would obviously be something very special for tennis. In individual matches, especially on the biggest stages, she could still look very competitive.
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“But a full tournament, and especially the two-week Grand Slam distance, is a completely different challenge.
“The key question is how the body responds to that kind of physical load over time. If she does come back, I’m sure it would only be for something truly meaningful to her.
“She has achieved everything in tennis, and her legacy is already untouchable.”
Williams retired from tennis at the US Open in 2022, revealing she wanted to ‘evolve’ away from the sport.
Anna Chakvetadze’s record against Serena Williams
Chakvetadze first clashed with Williams at the WTA Finals in 2007, with the two meeting in the group stage of the year-end tournament.
The Russian won the first set in the matchup 6-4, before Williams was ultimately forced to retire due to injury.
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Three years later, Chakvetadze played the American once again; this time in the second round of the 2010 Wimbledon championships.
Williams dominated her in straight sets with a bagel and a breakstick, winning 6-0, 6-1 en route to winning the title.
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