Tennis legend Serena Williams has stunned fans with a dramatic body transformation as rumours over a comeback to the court continue to build
Tennis legend Serena Williams has already turned heads this year with a striking physical transformation, and speculation is mounting that she could be preparing for a remarkable return to professional tennis.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion last competed at the US Open three years ago, where she was defeated by Ajla Tomljanovic in a gruelling three-set encounter.
After that loss, she delivered an emotional goodbye to supporters at Flushing Meadows. Since then, she has resisted any temptation to make a comeback, and in August 2023, welcomed her second child.
Nevertheless, a noticeably slimmer Williams submitted the necessary documentation earlier this year that would allow for a potential return to competition. Despite this, she has made it clear that she is “not coming back” to the sport that brought her global fame.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed that Williams, 44, has been added back to the register of players subject to drug testing. The Michigan-born star’s name appeared on documentation released by the ITIA on 6 October.
In a statement to The Athletic, ITIA spokesman Adrian Bassett explained that Williams’ re-entry into the testing pool didn’t necessarily confirm an imminent return, though it kept that possibility open.
“She has notified us that she wants to be reinstated into the testing pool,” Bassett said. “I do not know if this means she is coming back, or just giving herself the option. All I can say is she’s back in the pool and therefore subject to whereabouts.”
Any suggestion of a comeback was swiftly dismissed by Williams, however. She wrote on social media: “I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy”.
The tennis icon has never formally retired, instead describing her current situation as an “evolution”. Every player classified as active must undergo out-of-competition testing.
Those subject to testing are required to inform testers of their whereabouts for one hour each day. Regulations stipulate that any player who has retired must make themselves available for testing for six months before they can return to competitive action.
Speculation about Williams’ return has only grown since she unveiled her transformed physique in July. Known for her powerful build and ability to dominate opponents during her peak years, Williams now displays a lean, sculpted appearance.
Williams has discussed using weight-loss medication in an interview with Vogue. She revealed that her use of GLP-1s through the consumer healthcare company Ro helped her achieve her desired body.
She explained that despite “training five hours a day” and “running, walking, biking, stair climbing,” she found it difficult to shed weight and needed to “try something different”.
Whatever method she has employed, she now appears toned with defined abdominal muscles to match. Her Instagram caption accompanying her July post stated: “Working out and working on my angles.”
The ITIA listing has certainly sparked chatter about a potential comeback, and Williams herself has added to the speculation. In an interview with Time Magazine in April, the American expressed her confidence in her ability to compete at a high level.
“I miss it a lot, with all my heart,” she said. “I miss it because I’m healthy. If I couldn’t walk, or if I was so out of it, I wouldn’t miss it as much.”
