Here are the keys to understanding the return of Serena Williams to tennis
We analyze everything that lies behind Serena's recent maneuvers, which could lead to her return to the WTA circuit in the short term.
It has been an open secret for months, and in recent weeks, there are signs of official confirmation. Serena Williams will be able to compete on the WTA Tour again starting on February 22, causing a media earthquake and sparking a question in the minds of many fans: Why?
Nothing in Serena Williams' professional and personal life has been standard, so there were legitimate suspicions that her farewell to professional tennis would not follow the expected patterns. Many could not believe that the distant New York night of September 3, 2022, would be the last time they saw the greatest tennis player of all time (or at least the most decorated) on the court. Losing in the third round of the US Open against Alja Tomljanovic shattered the fairy tales that the proud American player had painted for herself.
Serena Williams can compete again from February 22, but why would she?
However, as time passed, it seemed increasingly unlikely that a fully involved Serena in a wide variety of business ventures could make a comeback. Perhaps even her most loyal and fervent fans could not see the sense in a move that now gains strength, turning from rumor to reality. At 44 years old, there is nothing she needs to prove, and returns from retirement like this one usually do not lead to anything competitive, but the younger Williams sister is determined to compete again... Or is this just a bluff?
Many believe that this return to the anti-doping system, a prerequisite for competing, will only be a mandatory step to accompany her sister Venus Williams in her final retirement. It seems quite plausible that both sisters will compete together in some doubles tournaments and bid farewell to tennis definitively at the US Open, forming a duo that would generate enormous excitement.
This scenario seems appealing and even logical, unlike the idea of seeing Serena Williams compete individually after such a drastic transformation in her appearance during these years away from the tour. Her rapid weight loss process, supported by medications she now shamelessly promotes, gives the American a completely different physique from what she showcased for most of her career, creating great uncertainty about how it will affect her tennis performance.
At 43, it seems utopian to think she could aim for her 25th Grand Slam title
The youngest of the sisters has always been characterized by her tendency to engage in personal crusades, aware of the iconic nature of her figure and the influence she has had, has, and will have at all levels, beyond sports. Racism, feminism, and motherhood have driven Serena at various points in her career, at times distorting her behavior and athletic performance. Will she now want to become a model for change in her physique? Judging by Alycia Parks' words a few days ago, she is in great shape and ready to compete.
There is no better platform than tennis to show the world that she can compete at the highest level, even at 43 after losing a significant amount of weight. However, the idea of the coveted 25th Grand Slam title being part of her comeback seems distant, even utopian, considering the obstacles she faced a few years ago. The presence of Novak Djokovic as a pursuer of that record and his triumphant longevity may have served as a growing motivation for the American to seek a remarkable return.
Indian Wells or Miami, potential venues for her return?
Awaiting formal announcements from her side, the first significant tournaments she could compete in would be the March WTA 1000 events, in Indian Wells, a tournament she had boycotted for many years, and Miami. Before that, there is a WTA 250 tournament in Austin whose organizers dream of hosting Serena. Nevertheless, it seems impossible as it starts on February 23, just after she can be considered a tennis player again due to anti-doping regulations.
If March passes without news of Serena Williams' return, it would be a mystery as to when we would see the American again, and the idea of a temporary doubles partnership with her sister Venus could gain strength. It does not seem likely that the clay court season, or even the grass season, are favorable territories for the return of this legend, who could shine during the American hard court swing with the US Open as the climax. The tennis world holds its breath awaiting news that could alter the course of the season.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Estas son las claves para entender el regreso de Serena Williams al tenis