— Tennis legend Serena Williams is expected to face a further drop in the WTA rankings as she remains absent from the tour, continuing her extended break from professional play.
Although Williams officially stepped away from full-time competition in 2022, her recent appearances in select tournaments had sparked speculation about a potential comeback. However, with no confirmed entries in the upcoming clay season and no official statement on future plans, the 23-time Grand Slam champion is now poised to slide further in the rankings, where she currently sits outside the top 500.
A representative for Williams said she is “enjoying time with family, pursuing business ventures, and focusing on her health,” adding that while tennis remains close to her heart, there are “no immediate plans for return.”
Williams, now 43, has redefined longevity in tennis, and even in her reduced schedule, she continues to draw massive crowds and inspire new generations of athletes. Still, the WTA’s point-based ranking system has little room for inactivity — and each week off the court pushes her name further down the list.
Fans remain hopeful for a farewell tour or a one-off Grand Slam appearance, but for now, it appears that Serena’s competitive days may be behind her — at least temporarily.
Regardless of the rankings, Serena Williams’ impact on the game is unquestionable. As one fan posted on social media: “Serena may be off the court, but her legacy is always number one.”
