Serena Williams said she will likely return to singles tennis after competing in doubles at the U.S. Open this week [1].
The potential return of one of the most dominant athletes in sports history could shift the competitive landscape of the women's tour. Williams is currently playing doubles with her sister, Venus Williams, marking her first U.S. Open appearance since 2022 [1].
Speaking during an interview on Good Morning America, Williams said she is enthusiastic about her current participation in the tournament. "I'm excited to be back at the U.S. Open and to play doubles with my sister," Williams said [3].
While her current focus remains on the doubles circuit, Williams indicated that her career in singles is not yet finished. "I probably will play singles again," Williams said [1].
The 44-year-old athlete [1] said that observing the current state of the game has influenced her decision to consider a comeback. "After some of those returns, I think I need to play," Williams said [2].
Williams has not provided a specific timeline for a singles return, though she is currently active in New York. The timing of a full comeback remains a subject of discussion among analysts, as she balances her current doubles play with the physical demands of the singles game.
“"I probably will play singles again."”
A return to singles play for Williams would be a rare instance of an athlete returning to elite professional competition at 44. While her doubles appearance serves as a competitive baseline, a singles comeback would require a significant increase in physical conditioning to compete against a younger generation of players.
