Serena Williams reinstated, fuelling comeback speculation
Mar 22nd 2026 · United States
After applying for removal from the retired players list, Serena Williams was reinstated and is now subject to a six-month anti-doping testing period as she trains and considers a return to competition.
- Williams was officially removed from the ITIA retired players list on 22 February, making her eligible to return to competition.
- Reinstatement requires rejoining the anti-doping test pool for six months before she can play again.
- She has been training in Florida with partners including Alycia Parks and has shared practice footage that stoked interest.
- At 44, Williams remains active off court as a mother and venture capitalist and could enter events from $15k ITF tournaments up to WTA 500s, with doubles alongside Venus a realistic option.
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