Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka says it will be fun to see tennis icon Serena Williams back on the tour. World number one Aryna Sabalenka said it would be “cool” to see Serena Williams return to tennis after the American great refused to rule it out when asked, and instead replied: “I don’t know. I’m just going to see what happens.” The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, a 44-year-old mother-of-two, has not competed since a third-round loss at the 2022 US Open.
But she re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool in December, setting off the rumour mill, only to deny that she was making a comeback. She was questioned about the prospect again on television show “Today” on Wednesday and while not confirming any plans, would also not rule it out. “I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” Williams said.
Pressed on whether that was a yes or no, she replied: “That’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.” Asked why she had re-entered the drug-testing programme, Williams said: “Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out.
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Listen, I can’t discuss this.” Williams’ sister Venus played at the ongoing Australian Open in Melbourne aged 45 after being handed a wildcard and was knocked out in the first round. Venus also competed at tournaments in Auckland and Hobart after returning to tennis in July after almost two years away. Asked about the prospect of Serena returning, Australian Open finalist Sabalenka said she had not spoken to anyone about it. “I heard that she’s enjoying her life, and whatever makes her happy, I’m happy for her,” she said.
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