In a revelation that has reignited speculation about a potential return to professional tennis, Serena Williams is reportedly practicing three times a week and looking "great" on the court, according to her training partner Alycia Parks. The tennis icon, who last competed at the 2022 US Open, has been the subject of intense comeback rumors in recent months, with this latest insight adding significant fuel to the fire.
Comeback Hints Intensify
Williams, aged 44, took a major step towards a possible return by registering for the drug-testing pool in August, a move that sent fans into a frenzy online. Despite publicly playing down the speculation, she was officially cleared by tennis' drug-testing authority to return to competition last month, edging her closer to a comeback she has consistently insisted is not happening. The combination of these administrative moves and her rigorous training schedule has left many observers convinced that a sensational return could be imminent.
Training Partner Spills Details
Alycia Parks, who recently began her Miami Open campaign with a victory over Sinja Kraus, revealed that she has been practicing regularly with Williams. The 25-year-old American told the Tennis Channel that she texted Williams while in the Middle East to arrange practice sessions upon returning to the United States. "She was like, 'Yeah, let's go,'" Parks recounted. "So we got in a few sessions and yeah, she's been helping me. When I'm home, I would say probably three times a week."
Parks offered glowing praise for Williams' current form, stating, "She's hitting good. Yeah, she's definitely fit. She looks great and she's hitting the ball amazing." However, when pressed about the likelihood of seeing Williams back on the professional circuit, Parks remained cautious, emphasizing, "I don't know if she's coming back, I don't know when she's coming back. We just go to practice, we don't really talk too much about her coming back. It's just like fun stuff."
Physical Transformation and Controversy
Williams is reportedly in phenomenal physical condition after losing more than 30 pounds using the weight loss drug Zepbound, a GLP-1 medication. She recently showcased her stunning figure in a busty green swimsuit on Instagram, captioning the photos with the empowering message: "I am not perfect….but I’m perfectly me. Take out time today to celebrate being perfectly you!"
However, her association with weight loss medications has sparked controversy. Last month, Williams faced fierce criticism for appearing in a commercial for a weight-loss drug during the Super Bowl. In the advertisement, she credited the GLP-1 provider Ro for her body transformation, revealing she turned to the medication post-retirement. The commercial showed her injecting the drug and marking an order on Ro's mobile app, while also announcing a new pill version of the medication.
Williams explained in the ad that the drug not only helped with weight loss but also reduced knee joint stress, steadied her blood sugar levels, and lowered her cholesterol. Despite these claimed benefits, the promotion drew significant backlash on social media, with one fan calling it "disgusting" to see her "pushing weight loss drugs," while another lamented that "the greatest tennis player of all time is on Ozempic."
Legacy and Future Prospects
As a 23-time Grand Slam winner, Williams' potential return at age 44 would be unprecedented in modern tennis. The combination of her training regimen, physical transformation, and official clearance for competition creates a compelling narrative for sports enthusiasts. While she continues to downplay comeback talks, the evidence mounting from those closest to her suggests that the tennis world may not have seen the last of Serena Williams on the professional stage.
