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By Shannon Power
Pop Culture & Entertainment Reporter
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Tennis legend Serena Williams has teased a possible return to professional play following her retirement from the sport in September 2022.
The Context
The 23-time Grand Slam winner said she was "ready to hit some balls again" in a cryptic post on X, formerly Twitter.
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Newsweek contacted Williams' representatives by email for comment.
What We Know
Williams announced that she was hanging up her racket after being eliminated in the round of 32 at the U.S. Open in 2022. The star revealed at the time she would "evolving away from tennis" after winning 73 singles titles and amassing more than $94 million in career prize money.
Since her retirement Williams has kept busy, including welcoming her second daughter with husband and Reddit founder, Alexis Ohanian.
Williams had hinted at trying her hand at acting and even starred opposite Succession star Brian Cox in a 2023 Super Bowl ad. She also opened her own investment company called, Serena Ventures.
In April, Williams launched her own makeup line called Wyn Beauty, which is described as "makeup to move in."
Williams' post on Tuesday was not the first time she has hinted at a return to the sport she has played since she was two years old.
"The chances (of me returning) are very high," Williams said a month after the 2022 U.S. Open while speaking at the TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Francisco. "You can come to my house and (see). I have a court."
Views
Her post sent fans into a frenzy, with many begging Williams to hit the courts again.
"Come back home Serena. They have failed to occupy the spot you left. Two, three more grand slams," said @bmusonza.
"The news we needed today 🥹," wrote @tennischannel.
And @seansr915_sean added: "I think you absolutely should. You are recognized as the greatest woman tennis player ever, just seeing you out there is special."
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What's Next
The 42-year-old recently made an appearance at the Met Gala in New York City and will host the ESPY sport awards in July.
"This is a dream come true for me, and something I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember," Williams said in a statement on May 15 of the latter, which recognize excellence in team and individual sports performance, among other charitable and special categories. "It has been a sensational year for sports and an unprecedented one for female athletes. I can't wait to celebrate everyone on-stage in July."
She will be the fourth woman to host the awards and has won of a number of ESPYs herself, including being named Best Female Tennis Player 10 times and Best Female Athlete in 2003 and 2013.
Update, 05/21/24, 10:12 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include additional information.
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