Serena Williams has said many times that her professional tennis days are finished, but the possibility of a return continues to shadow her retirement.
This month, as chatter picked up once more, a familiar supporter stepped forward. Lewis Hamilton, fresh off completing his first season with Ferrari, made it known that he would welcome a comeback from one of tennis’ defining champions.
Hamilton ended the 2025 Formula One season without a podium finish and in sixth place overall, a rare outcome for a driver who has spent his career battling at the front.
When the final race in Abu Dhabi wrapped up and the questions turned to other sports, Hamilton did not hesitate when asked whether he would like to see Williams compete again.
“I’d love to [see it],” he said, according to Tennis365. “I keep telling her to come back.
“Massive, massive supporter of her. She’s the greatest of all time, such a legend. She was at one of the races just recently. A dear friend as well, which I’m really honoured by.”
A testing list entry triggers buzz that Williams quickly shuts down
Talk of a possible return gained steam earlier this month when Williams’ name appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s testing list.
Because any athlete who wants to resume competition must be in the pool well in advance, the listing was enough to stir excitement across social media and tennis circles.
Williams remains one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, and even a faint sign of activity tends to spark speculation.
This time, though, Williams addressed the rumors herself. She posted a short message that left no confusion about her intentions.
“Omg y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” she wrote.
Williams retired after the 2022 US Open, leaving behind a career unmatched in the modern era. Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles stand as a record for the Open era, and her influence reaches far beyond the court, shaping conversations around competition, motherhood, business and cultural impact.
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