Serena Williams return date confirmed after sister Venus’ historic comeback aged 45

Serena Williams can return to the court on February 22.

Whether the all-time great will take up the option is yet to be confirmed, but ESPN reports that tennis’ drug testing organization is listing her as eligible from that date.

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The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion registered with the International Tennis Integrity Agency six months ago.

Williams is listed on the ITIA website’s reinstatement page as of Monday.

After signing up last year, she was adamant that her career was done.

“Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” she posted on social media.

But Williams joining the process will still raise questions, and at 44, she is a year younger than her sister Venus, who made her own stunning comeback in 2025.

When Serena called time on her playing career after the 2022 US Open, she tellingly refused to use the word ‘retiring’, instead she said she was ‘evolving’ away from the court.

Tennis stars must sign up for extensive testing and let officials know their location and travel plans even when not in competition.

This is to ensure they are available for random testing, and there is a six-month process to becoming eligible again.

“If Serena decides to return and compete at the professional level, together with her fans, we will enthusiastically welcome the return of one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport,” Brendan McIntyre said in 2025.

Venus returned after an 18-month hiatus from the WTA Tour in July.

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She is now the oldest player to play singles at the US Open since 1981 and stated her desire to get the band back together with her younger sibling.

“I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” admitted Venus.

“Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her.

“But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.”

Venus won seven singles majors and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside Serena.

The sisters who changed tennis may be about to come back for the crown they passed on to the next generation.