In December 2025, Serena Williams sent shockwaves through tennis when her name resurfaced on the ITIA anti-doping testing pool list, instantly fueling comeback speculation. While the situation has now simmered down, it hasn’t stopped armchair detectives, including Danielle Collins, from predicting how the possibility of Williams’ return could change the game.

The ITIA later confirmed that Williams personally requested to be reinstated into its anti-doping testing pool. Spokesperson Adrian Bassett clarified the process but stated that the move didn’t necessarily signal a return to professional tennis.

However, Williams took to social media and stated clearly that she is “not coming back” to the WTA Tour. Despite her message, questions about her intentions have continued.

The topic was recently discussed on the Tennis Channel, where Lindsay Davenport first shared her perspective. “Definitely, you only put your name out of that list. You don’t want people knocking on your door at any time unless you’re really serious about it,” Davenport said. She emphasized the commitment required once a player is back in the testing system.

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Danielle Collins agreed with Davenport’s view. She said it would be difficult to imagine Williams entering the testing pool without a genuine intention to return. “I can’t imagine her just wanting to sign up for drug testing just for the sake of it,” Collins added.

Is the Serena 2026 comeback happening?

Danielle and Lindsay aren’t ruling it out ‼️ pic.twitter.com/PXPHr1faf8

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 5, 2026

Davenport expanded on that point by highlighting the daily demands of the testing program. “Keep in mind you have to give an out one hour out of every day that they can come and knock on your door, 06:00 a.m. or whatever time. So, a mother of two, a businesswoman. You’re not willingly entering that unless you’re serious,” Davenport added.

Collins then shared her personal hope for a return. “I’m kind of hoping that she’s gonna come back. I never got a chance to play doubles with Serena. So if you’re watching this, ‘Girl I’m here. I think let’s debut together, and we can hit the karaoke bar after,’” Collins added.

Similar sentiments have been echoed by other former players as well as the debate around Williams’ potential return continues.

Ellen Perez is unconvinced by Serena Williams’ return denial

Serena Williams retired from professional tennis in 2022 after her final appearance at the US Open. Since then, she has repeatedly denied plans of a comeback. Still, when a once-in-a-lifetime player calls time on their career, it’s hard to truly let go, as her many fans have demonstrated.

Former top-10 doubles player Ellen Perez has now added to that discussion. Speaking about Williams’ denial of a comeback, Perez focused on the realities of anti-doping protocols and the commitment they demand from players.

“I am not sold [on her denials],” Perez said on the Australian Open Tennis Podcast last month. She highlighted the physical and mental strain involved. “I can tell you, when you are on the doping protocols, it’s not fun. Unless she likes a 6am wake-up and enjoys giving blood, there’s no way you would enter.”

Perez also suggested family influence could be a factor. She believes Venus Williams’ return to competitive tennis last year may have played a role in Serena’s thinking. “I think there’s an element that she watched Venus come back, and I don’t know if there is a little last go with them playing together.”

Perez went further, pointing to what she has heard within the tennis world. “I definitely have heard the rumors of her coming back, who knows if it is true, but you don’t re-enter the protocol unless you plan on coming back, that’s how it is. So stay tuned, I suppose, on that one!”

With Danielle Collins and others also speculating, the conversation continues. Williams may deny a return, but the signs fuel debate. For now, the question lingers over tennis. Is one final chapter still possible for the icon?