Date confirmed for Serena Williams' eligible return

(Getty/Justin Setterfield)

Will she or won't she? That's the question tennis fans are asking about Serena Williams' potential return to professional tennis, but another stage has been ticked.

Six months ago, the 23-time major champion re-entered the testing pool for doping after registering with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). As a result, Williams has had to provide her whereabouts for one hour each day for testing.

After a photo of her name was added to the ITIA's list last year, social media went into a frenzy, with Williams quickly denying the comeback rumours.

"Omg ya'll I'm NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy," she posted on X.

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Overnight, the 44-year-old was listed by the ITIA as eligible to return to the competitive circuit from February 22.

Her agent and a WTA spokesperson have yet to release a statement.

Last year, USTA spokesman Brendan McIntyre said: "If Serena decides to return and compete at the professional level, together with her fans, we will enthusiastically welcome the return of one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport."

It is not yet clear whether Williams will compete in singles, doubles, or both, as her sister, Venus, is still competing on the WTA Tour at 45.

Last month, Williams made an appearance on American morning breakfast program, The Today Show, where she awkwardly dodged the question of whether she would be returning.

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