Serena Williams’ potential return to the WTA Tour has been a much debated issue over the past six months.
The American superstar re-entered the ITIA drug testing pool in December last year, sparking excitement over a potential return.
Williams has previously denied these rumours, yet it seems the 23-time major singles champion could indeed be making her return to the sport this summer.
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Reputable journalist Jon Wertheim reported on Wednesday that Serena has made multiple wildcard requests for the grass court season.
Naomi Osaka, a four-time major champion, has since reacted to the news of Serena’s potential return.
Naomi Osaka reacts to Serena Williams’ potential return to tennis
“I mean I don’t really care about tennis, I think it’s good for me!” Osaka remarked during her post-match press conference after defeating Donna Vekic at Roland Garros.
“I will be very entertained.
“Overall the scope of it, I think it will bring people to watch tennis which she always does bring an audience with her.
“So I think it’s good. I am going to be tuned into the first match for sure. I think a lot of people are.
“I feel like for me, everyone knows that Serena and Venus were my role models growing up, so it’s going to be cool to see her on the grounds again.”
Serena has not played a competitive WTA match since losing to Alja Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open.
According to the Telegraph, Serena could make her return to tennis at the Queen’s Club Championships after requesting a wildcard to play doubles with Victoria Mboko in the women’s doubles event.
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Serena, who entered the 2022 US Open through her protected ranking, beat Danka Kovinic 6-3, 6-3 in her opening match.
She then stunned second seed Anett Kontaveit 7-6, 2-6, 6-2.
The American’s run came to an end against Alja Tomljanovic. The Australian defeated Serena 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
“I tried, Ajla just played a little bit [better],” Williams said after the contest, as per The Guardian.
“Thank you, daddy. I know you’re watching. Thanks, mom. It all started with my parents and they deserve everything.
“I wouldn’t be Serena if there wasn’t Venus, so thank you, Venus. She’s the only reason that Serena Williams ever existed.
“It’s been a fun ride. I’m just so grateful to every single person that’s ever said: ‘Go, Serena’ in their life. You got me here.”