Serena Williams Announces Groundbreaking Return to Tennis in 2026
June 6, 2025 — New York, NY
In a stunning announcement that has electrified the sports world, Serena Williams revealed today that she will return to professional tennis in 2026—three years after playing what was believed to be her final match at the 2022 US Open.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion, widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, shared the news during a special interview on a live-streamed event hosted by Netflix Sports. Titled “The Next Chapter: Serena’s Comeback”, the interview detailed her motivations for returning, her renewed approach to training, and her belief that her story in tennis isn’t finished just yet.
“I always said, ‘never say never,’” Williams said with a smile. “And over the last year, something shifted. I felt the fire again—the desire not just to play, but to compete. I want to walk back onto that court with purpose and write a new ending.”
Williams, now 43, cited a combination of factors that led to her decision, including her improved physical health, her daughters’ growing interest in tennis, and her desire to inspire women and mothers around the world. She noted that her return will not be about chasing records, but about proving that reinvention and resilience are timeless.
The tennis legend is targeting a return at the 2026 Australian Open, the same Grand Slam where she memorably won her 23rd major title in 2017 while pregnant with her first child. Her team confirmed that she has already begun a rigorous training program with a new coaching and performance staff, blending cutting-edge sports science with her own trademark intensity.
The tennis community erupted in excitement following the announcement. WTA officials welcomed the news with open arms, and stars like Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, and Naomi Osaka took to social media to express their admiration and enthusiasm.
“Legend. Icon. Trailblazer. Let’s gooooo!” tweeted Gauff, currently ranked world No. 2. “Tennis just got that much more exciting again.”
Williams’ comeback also carries broader significance for women in sports. In the interview, she emphasized that age, motherhood, or time away from the game should never be seen as barriers:
“I’m not coming back to be the Serena of 2010 or 2015. I’m coming back as the woman I am now—with all that I’ve learned, endured, and grown through. That’s just as powerful.”
The USTA confirmed they would extend a wildcard to Williams should she choose to return at the 2026 US Open later in the year, and Wimbledon officials have already hinted at a “hero’s welcome” if she enters their draw.
Williams retired in 2022 after an emotional run at the US Open, where she reached the third round amid thunderous ovations and heartfelt tributes. Many believed it was the perfect farewell, but Serena’s competitive spirit—and her belief in rewriting her own narrative—never fully faded.
As she sets her sights on 2026, one thing is clear: Serena Williams is not just returning to tennis—she’s redefining what it means to be an athlete, a mother, and a legend.
