On Tuesday evening, tennis fans were in a state of pandemonium following the revelation of Serena Williams’ addition to the ITIA testing pool.
Williams, who has not played a professional match since the 2022 US Open, had been absent from the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s Registered Testing Pool since 2022.
Her addition means that she would be eligible to return to the professional tour in six months.
However, Serena has denied that she is making a return, posting on X [Twitter]: “Omg [oh my goodness] y’all I’m not coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Rick Macci, Serena’s former coach, has weighed in on the matter.
Rick Macci believes Serena Williams will play doubles with Venus in the future
Rick Macci was Serena and Venus Williams’ first professional coach, helping the Compton pair become the superstars of today.
Macci, who has also worked with Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick, has discussed the prospect of Serena’s return on social media.
On X [Twitter] Macci said: “Asked if Serena will play again. Singles maybe, but dubs with Vee [Venus] for sure.
“She entered the ITIA registered testing pool – a possible sign that the Compton Comet might tee it up in 2026.
“If she plays, it would be must-see TV to watch her and Vee.”
Spare just three minutes to take on this A to Z tennis trivia challenge! How many did you get right?
Macci is certainly correct. A potential return of the most successful doubles partnership in history would excite tennis fans globally.
Serena and Venus are two of the most well-respected players in tennis history. If they were to step out onto court together one last time, it would be a moment unlike any other.
The first Grand Slam final loss of Serena Williams’ career
In 1999, Serena Williams won her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, defeating Martina Hingis in the final.
Two years later, the American found herself back in the final, up against her sister Venus.
Venus, the fourth seed, defeated Serena 6-2, 6-4 in front of the New York crowd.
This final was the first of four straight major finals contested by Venus and Serena. They would contest nine Grand Slam finals during their careers, with Serena winning seven.
