Serena Williams teased fans with an unlikely return to tennis late last year, with her name having appeared on a drug testing pool.
Williams immediately shut down the excitement of a potential comeback, with her decision to retire seemingly not changing anytime soon.
The American legend called time on her glittering career in 2022, leaving tennis with 23 Grand Slam titles to her name.
And just a few weeks later, her fellow legend Roger Federer made the same decision, retiring with 20 Grand Slam titles.
Roger Federer says Serena Williams comeback would be ‘incredible’
Federer is now in Melbourne for the Australian Open, where he was asked about Williams potentially making a return.
He said of his fellow 44-year-old: “I heard she entered the doping program. Then I heard she’s not coming back.”
And when asked why she would put her name down if she wasn’t considering a comeback, he said: “Miss those things, you know.
“So much fun to always think about. That’s one of the big things I was happy to retire at the end, not to have that in my mind.
“For the game, it would be incredible. Serena is such a legend to come back. Also the stories as a mom, with Belinda [Bencic]. It resonates with everyone in the room.
“If she decides not to do it, I would maybe give herself an option. It’s great to have options in life, in my opinion. Let’s see what she does and wait for an announcement or not. Then we’ll see.”
Will Serena Williams follow in the footsteps of Venus Williams?
It remains to be seen what decision Williams takes going forward, but most tennis fans would welcome her back onto the court with open arms.
Intriguingly, her sister is back playing at the age of 45, with Venus Williams set to take on the 2026 Australian Open.
The veteran has received a wildcard for the Grand Slam, and could potentially face Coco Gauff in round two if she wins her opener against Olga Danilovic.
Meanwhile, Federer’s compatriot Bencic will take on Katie Boulter after her impressive displays at the United Cup earned her the MVP award.
Her 5-0 singles record has also helped her become the first mother since Serena Williams in 2021 to break the WTA top 10.
READ MORE: Ex-Grand Slam winner survives qualifying to book Australian Open spot
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