Serena Williams Comeback: Tennis Star Reinstated, Denies Return & Weight Loss Journey

Tennis icon Serena Williams, 44, is poised for reinstatement as an active player by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, despite previous statements indicating no plans for a return to the sport.

A Potential Comeback

The agency has added Williams to its list of reinstatements, effective February 22, 2026, following a mandatory six-month waiting period after re-entering the anti-doping testing pool. Tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg first reported the development on his blog, Bounces, declaring, “The Serena comeback is now officially official.”

Recent Developments

News of Williams’ potential return surfaced just one day after she appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for the weight loss company Ro. Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, is a board member of Ro.

Did You Know? Serena Williams stated in a Super Bowl commercial that she has lost 34 pounds while using Ro.

In the commercial, which aired during the Seattle Seahawks’ win over the New England Patriots, Williams shared her experience with Ro, stating, “I’m on Ro. 34 pounds down on Ro. Healthier on Ro. Supported by Ro… I’m moving better on Ro. I’m feeling better on Ro. I’m Serena Williams. This is me on Ro.”

Williams also released a statement, saying she “feels better now than [she has] in years” and that Ro helped her focus on her health in a way that worked for her.

GLP-1s and the Future of Tennis

Williams has previously discussed her use of a GLP-1 medication, revealing in August 2025 that she lost 31 pounds with its help. She stated, “It was crazy because I’d never been in a place like that in my life where I worked so hard, ate so healthy and could never get down to where I needed to be at.”

While professional tennis has not yet banned GLP-1s, the World Anti-Doping Agency has added them to its monitoring programme to study their effects on athletes. This could become a factor if Williams does return to competition.

Expert Insight: The potential return of a dominant athlete like Serena Williams, coupled with the evolving landscape of performance-enhancing substances like GLP-1s, raises questions about fairness and the future of competitive sports. The monitoring programme by the World Anti-Doping Agency suggests a proactive approach to understanding the impact of these drugs on athletic performance.

Denials and Ambiguity

Despite the reinstatement listing, Williams initially denied plans for a comeback, stating via X, “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.” She also offered ambiguous responses during a January 28 appearance on Today, where host Savannah Guthrie pressed her on the topic.

When asked directly, Williams responded, “I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now. I’m just gonna see what happens.” When Guthrie suggested this was a “maybe,” Williams insisted, “That’s not a ‘maybe.’”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Serena Williams being added to the reinstatement list?

Being added to the reinstatement list by the International Tennis Integrity Agency means Serena Williams is eligible to compete again once she completes a six-month waiting period after re-entering the anti-doping testing pool.

What role does the weight loss company Ro play in this situation?

Serena Williams appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Ro, a weight loss company, and stated she lost 34 pounds while using their products. Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, is on the board of Ro.

Has Serena Williams definitively confirmed her return to tennis?

No, Serena Williams has publicly denied plans for a comeback and offered ambiguous responses when questioned directly about her future in tennis.

Given the recent developments and Williams’ carefully worded responses, what impact might her potential return have on the world of professional tennis?