Serena Williams Nears Tennis Comeback at Age 44 After Retirement Hiatus
American tennis icon Serena Williams is on the verge of a remarkable return to professional tennis, more than three years after her last competitive match. At 44 years old, Williams is laying the groundwork to emerge from retirement, with eligibility to compete expected by the end of February.
Training and Mentorship with Alycia Parks
Williams has been actively preparing for her comeback by training with fellow American player Alycia Parks, who is 25 years old. Parks, who recently qualified for the main draw at the Qatar Opens, shared insights from their practice sessions, highlighting Williams' role as a mentor and her impressive physical condition.
"I actually practiced with her last Monday. And I messaged her yesterday," Parks told Tennis Majors in a weekend interview. "She's definitely a good mentor to me and she's helped me a lot, especially in my practices. She is in great shape. So I think she would kill it on tour."
Reinstatement Process and Timeline
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has listed Williams as its most recent 'reinstated player', a crucial step for her return. Players seeking to come back from retirement or other breaks must spend six months in the anti-doping testing pool before being considered for reinstatement in tour events.
Williams' reinstatement date is set for February 22, according to official records. This aligns with earlier reports from sources like Bounces, indicating that she submitted her reinstatement application in August of last year, setting the stage for her potential comeback.
Uncertainty and Expectations
Despite the positive signs, it remains uncertain what to expect from Williams, whose last professional match was in September 2022. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name, her return could shake up the tennis world, but questions linger about her competitive readiness after such a lengthy hiatus.
As the tennis community watches closely, Williams' journey back to the court represents a significant moment in sports, blending legacy with the challenges of aging in professional athletics.
