Serena Williams is officially eligible to return to professional tennis starting February 22, after completing a mandatory six-month drug-testing period, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed Monday.

The 44-year-old 23-time Grand Slam champion was listed on the ITIA’s reinstatement page, a development first reported by tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg. However, whether Williams actually plans to compete remains unknown.

Mixed Signals on Comeback

Williams has sent contradictory messages about her intentions. When news emerged in December 2025 that she had re-entered the drug-testing pool, she posted on social media: “Omg y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”

But in a January appearance on the Today Show, she softened her stance, saying “I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”

Williams’ agent did not respond to Associated Press requests for comment Monday, nor did a WTA Tour spokesperson.

Venus Williams’ Example

The speculation is fueled partly by the example of Williams’ older sister, Venus, who returned to competition at age 45 in July 2025 after an 18-month absence. Venus competed at the 2025 US Open, becoming the oldest woman to play singles at the tournament since 1981.

“I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” Venus said at the DC Open when asked about Serena. “Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her.”

Venus has a wild-card entry in doubles at the upcoming ATX Open in Austin (Feb. 23-March 1), with her partner not yet announced, sparking speculation about a potential Williams sisters reunion, as the doubles draw begins just one day after Serena’s eligibility date.

Veteran Trend in Women’s Tennis

Williams’ potential return comes as veteran players increasingly challenge age barriers in women’s tennis. On February 8, 41-year-old Vera Zvonareva defeated world No. 50 Peyton Stearns at the Qatar Open, becoming just the fourth player aged 40 or older to win a WTA 1000 main draw match.

Williams last competed at the 2022 US Open, famously saying she was “evolving away” from tennis rather than retiring. She has 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era, and spent 319 weeks ranked world No. 1.

If she returns, upcoming tournaments include Indian Wells (main draw begins March 4) and Miami Open later in March.