Serena Williams Denies She's Planning to End Tennis Retirement Amid Rumors of Return

Serena Williams has denied a report she's planning to end her retirement and return to tennis in 2026.

Williams took to social media Tuesday to deny a report from tennis insider Ben Rothenberg, who said Williams "applied for reinstatement to tennis."

The legendary player, who has won a women's record 23 Grand Slam singles titles, last played professionally at the 2022 U.S. Open.

Rothenberg explained that Williams previously applied for official retirement with the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which means she was no longer subjected to random drug testing.

She remains on the list of retired players and not among those who have been reinstated, although it takes the completion of six months back in the testing pool to be listed among the reinstatements.

According to Rothenberg, she initially looked into coming back in August ahead of the U.S. Open "likely to play doubles in New York with her sister, Venus." However, she could not do so on such short notice since she officially retired.

Venus, on the other hand, never officially retired and was able to return to the court during the summer season and for a run to the women's doubles quarterfinals at the U.S. Open alongside partner Karolina Muchova.

Serena's illustrious resume includes 73 singles titles, 23 Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal. Novak Djokovic is the only tennis player in history with more Grand Slam singles titles.

Williams also captured 14 major doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals while playing with her sister.