American journalist reveals Serena Williams’s dissatisfaction with her 2022 Wimbledon first-round exit and potential return, possibly playing mixed doubles at the US Open.

With the anti-doping observation period concluding on February 22, rumors about the comeback of 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams have been increasing. Recently, a disclosure by experienced American tennis journalist Jon Wertheim has pushed this “legendary return” narrative to a new peak.

Wertheim revealed on a show that he heard “different rumors” about Serena’s form of return: “It could be mixed doubles or a return to Wimbledon. After all, she was unhappy with her last match there.” He added frankly, “I think it’s great; this will definitely be one of the greatest stories in tennis in 2026.”

The “unhappiness” Wertheim mentioned refers to Serena’s heartbreaking loss in the first round of Wimbledon 2022. That was her first singles match since her injury in the 2021 Wimbledon first round, where she fought hard on Centre Court but ultimately lost 5-7, 6-1, 6-7 (7-10) to the then world No. 115 French player Harmony Tan.

Undoubtedly, losing in such a manner to an unknown opponent and bowing out of the grass-court Grand Slam was surely unsatisfactory for a player like Serena Williams. Therefore, returning to the All England Club to make amends fits perfectly with both the narrative and emotional style typical of Serena.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) website recently confirmed that 44-year-old Serena appears on the “reinstatement” list. Since gradually stepping away from the tour after the 2022 US Open, she has completed a six-month anti-doping testing period and is eligible to compete from February 22 onward.

Although Serena’s own statements have been inconsistent—denying a comeback on Twitter last December with “I’m not coming back,” then giving an ambiguous “I don’t know, we’ll see” on The Today Show in January—the public generally interprets these remarks as evasive rather than a definitive refusal to return.

In response to Serena’s possible comeback, tennis legends and veteran coaches have almost unanimously offered their support and well-wishes.

“If she really comes back, I wouldn’t be surprised at all,” said Serena’s former coach Patrick Mouratoglou in a recent interview with L’Équipe. “She loves challenges. Once she decides to act, she never backs down. For Serena, anything is possible.”

American legend Andy Roddick, a contemporary of Serena, asked on a podcast, “Who wouldn’t welcome this? Are we crazy?” He even said that if he were in the same situation, he would take similar steps to regain fitness: “To come back, the first thing is to lose 20 pounds quickly, which minimizes injury risk during training.”

After the news broke, tennis fans worldwide showed a distinctly polarized reaction on social media.

Some fans couldn’t hide their excitement: “If the chants of ‘Let’s go, Serena!’ echo again at Wimbledon’s Centre Court, I will cry.” Others hoped for a sister duo reunion: “Can we have Serena and Venus team up for doubles again? Even if just for one match.”

However, there were also many skeptical voices. One user joked under related news: “Comeback at 44? You have to choose between a tennis racket or a wheelchair.” Another highly liked comment read: “With 23 Grand Slam titles, second in history, she doesn’t need to prove anything more. Why risk tarnishing her legendary status?”

Even if Serena is determined, the form of her comeback remains uncertain. Singles would be extremely demanding for a 44-year-old body, while mixed doubles or partnering with her sister Venus in women’s doubles maximizes emotional value and is more realistic physically. Venus has already signed up for the Austin tournament on February 23, with her doubles partner still undecided.

Timing-wise, the “Sunshine Double” in March (Indian Wells and Miami) is approaching, while Wimbledon still allows several months of preparation. For Serena, whose world ranking has long been reset to zero, a wildcard is the only entry route. Given Wimbledon’s special sentiment toward her, this wildcard is virtually guaranteed.

Less than ten days remain until February 22. Whether she ultimately returns or not, Serena Williams has once again captivated the tennis world’s attention. This time, she chooses to write her story’s final—or perhaps new—chapter with her racket rather than words.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)