Serena Williams, despite having retired in 2022, remains a prevalent figure within the tennis community.
After all, she is widely considered one of the greatest to have ever played the sport.
So, it should have come as no surprise that when there were hints of a potential return to tennis in 2026, the sporting world was sent into a frenzy.
A true trailblazer who won almost everything there was on offer, Serena Williams has tried to distance herself from this suggested comeback after being seen in a document containing players seeking to take anti-doping measures in the new year.
Billie Jean King has now reacted to these rumours.
Billie Jean King encourages Serena Williams to return to tennis
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 12-time Grand Slam champion was open and encouraging when speaking about Serena’s potential return to the sport.
In fact, she openly endorsed it, despite admitting it’d be unlikely that she’d return to its apex.
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King admitted: “I think she wants to try to play again. But I also think she is very bright and intelligent, and she knows that she will not be number one again.
“If you like to play, why not? Well, she already has her life resolved. She doesn’t need money and enjoys it. Personally, I would love for Williams to come back.
“I met her when she was six and Venus was seven at a tennis clinic we gave in Long Beach, California. They came with their dad, Richard. It was an amazing day. I’ll never forget it.
“We had the kids hit back and forth from the audience. Because they’re so exceptional. You could see right away they’re exceptional.
“Personally, I would love it [if Williams came back].”
Aryna Sabalenka has said if she thinks she’d be able to beat Serena if she did come back, as the tennis community continues to fan this flame.
What has Serena Williams said about her potential comeback?
Whilst the breaking news about her potential comeback spread like wildfire, Serena has been oddly quiet in reacting to it.
However, she did take to X earlier this month to try and dampen expectations, simply writing: “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
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Even that did not quieten the conversation though, leading her to follow that up with another tweet just last week.
She wrote: “Feeling strongly about claiming my mojo back.”
Williams has been cryptic and careful in her messaging since this breaking news. Hopefully, it is because she is building towards a triumphant announcement to confirm fans’ suspicions.
