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Serena Williams Cleared to Compete From Feb. 22 as Training Clip Revives Comeback Talk

Rejoining the ITIA testing pool is viewed by peers as a sign of intent despite her public caution.

Overview

  • Tennis authorities list Williams as eligible to enter sanctioned events starting Feb. 22 after completing six months in the ITIA testing pool, ending her retired designation.
  • A new, uncaptioned TikTok shows her practicing serves, which has intensified speculation about a comeback.
  • She has not announced a return schedule or event, having denied a comeback in December before offering a noncommittal "I don't know" in a January TV interview.
  • Former pros and insiders, including Jim Courier, say rejoining the ITIA pool is burdensome and unlikely without plans to compete.
  • Coaches such as former hitting partner Sascha Bajin welcome the prospect yet question whether the 44-year-old can sustain match-to-match recovery after years away.