There is significant buzz in the air when it comes to women’s tennis at the moment. That is because there is a growing belief that Serena Williams of Saginaw, Michigan is about to make a comeback.
According to Shahida Jacobs of tennis365.com, Williams is no longer on the International Tennis Integrity Agency retired list, and as of Sunday, Williams is on the reinstated list.
Serena Williams is 44 years of age, but has not played professional tennis since losing to Ajla Tomljanovic of Brisbane, Australia, 7-5, 6-7, 6-1, in the third round of the 2022 United States Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 2, 2022. Ironically, Tomljanovic just beat Venus Williams (Serena’s older sister) 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the ATX Open in Austin, Texas on Tuesday.
There had been some speculation that Serena Williams could return to Indian Wells next week. At this time it is genuine speculation. Based on the negative history that Serena Williams has had at the tournament, it is more likely that she will return at the Miami Open starting March 15.
Remember, Serena Williams received excessive booing, and racist jeering at Indian Wells in 2001, which led to her boycotting the tournament for 14 years. One must also keep in mind that Serena Williams is part owner of the Miami Dolphins, which shares the same stadium as the Miami Open.
There is another reason why it is unlikely Serena will play at Indian Wells. That is because there is a possibility that when Serena does return to professional tennis, she could play doubles with Venus, and her sister is already scheduled to play doubles at Indian Wells with Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez.
Why is Serena Williams making a comeback? Well, when she sees the list of the most grand slam singles championships of all-time, her 23 titles are one back of Margaret Court’s 24 titles.
