UPDATE 12/2/25, 4:17 p.m. ET: Serena Williams seemingly put talk of a comeback to rest on Tuesday afternoon, December 2, writing via X, "Omg yall I'm NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy-" Original story below: Serena Williams has not confirmed that she plans to return to professional tennis, but the 23-time Grand Slam champion has taken a step in that direction. Williams, 44, caught fans' attention on Tuesday, December 2, when The Athletic reported that she has re-entered the sport's International Registered Testing Pool.