Serena Williams (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) MELBOURNE: Excitement is growing in the tennis world over the possibility of American legend Serena Williams returning to the WTA Tour later this year.The 44-year-old has not played a competitive match since her third-round loss to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open in September 2022, after which she officially submitted her retirement to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Speculation about a comeback intensified after Ben Rothenberg of Bounces reported that Serena had returned to the testing group. However, the 23-time major winner brushed off talk of a comeback on social media while offering a less definitive answer while appearing on US television.Australian Open semi-finalist Elina Svitolina, 31, also a comeback mum who gave birth to daughter Skai in October 2022, welcomed the prospect of Serena’s return.“I think it would be amazing for the sport,” Svitolina said. “She’s such a great champion and she’s achieved so much, done so much for our sport and been an inspiration to women around the world. It’s definitely going to be a great story.”World number one Aryna Sabalenkova also said it would be exciting to see Serena back in the sport.“I heard she’s enjoying life, and whatever makes her happy, I’m happy for her,” Sabalenka said. “If she wants to come back, that’s her decision. It’s going to be fun to see her back on tour. She’s got personality and she’s fun. It’s going to be cool.”
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