• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Serena Williams says she is not returning to tennis, despite rumors

10:19
Serena Williams on weight loss journey: 'You should love yourself'
John Minchillo/AP
ByMason Leib
December 02, 2025, 9:14 PM

Serena Williams has no plans to return to tennis.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion took to social media on Tuesday and said she is not returning to the sport despite swirling rumors of a potential comeback.

Related Articles

Serena Williams announces 1st children's book, 'The Adventures of Qai Qai'

"Omg yall I'm NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy-," Williams wrote in a post on X.

According to ESPN, the rumors started after Williams reentered the International Tennis Integrity Agency's registered testing pool, meaning she would be randomly tested for substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Serena Williams acknowledges the crowd after losing to Ajla Tomljanovic, of Austrailia, iin the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sept. 2, 2022, in New York City.
John Minchillo/AP

The testing program "helps to ensure that the sport remains free from doping," according to its website.

ABC News has reached out to Williams for comment.

Editor’s Picks

Serena Williams debuts 1st-ever children's collection with Janie and Jack

  • Mar 12, 2025

Serena Williams joins WNBA's Toronto Tempo ownership group

  • Mar 03, 2025

Serena Williams on life after tennis: 'It's really busy and it's really fun'

  • Jul 10, 2024

In 2022, Williams penned a personal essay for Vogue, titled "The Hardest Thing," in which she bid farewell to the sport "on her own terms -- and in her own words."

In the essay, Williams said she hated the word "retirement," writing, "The best word to describe what I'm up to is evolution. I'm here to tell you that I'm evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me."

According to ESPN, the tennis legend officially declared herself retired with the ITIA that same year.

Editor’s Picks

Serena Williams debuts 1st-ever children's collection with Janie and Jack

  • Mar 12, 2025

Serena Williams joins WNBA's Toronto Tempo ownership group

  • Mar 03, 2025

Serena Williams on life after tennis: 'It's really busy and it's really fun'

  • Jul 10, 2024

Up Next in Culture—

Kylie Minogue looks back on four decades of music

June 3, 2026

Comedian Marcello Hernández to host 2026 ESPY Awards

June 3, 2026

Comparing life in 1999 versus 2026 as Knicks and Spurs ready for NBA Finals rematch

June 3, 2026

'Beauty and the Beast' singer Peabo Bryson dies at 75

June 3, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News