Serena Williams is laying the groundwork for a remarkable return to professional tennis more than three years after what was widely believed to be her final match on tour.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion is now eligible to compete again before the end of February, following her formal reinstatement process. The 44-year-old American legend has been quietly preparing for a comeback, training in recent weeks with fellow American Alycia Parks.

Williams has not competed since September 2022, when she stepped away from the sport after the US Open.

Questions remain about what form the former world No. 1 will bring to the tour, but early signs suggest she is preparing seriously for a return.Parks, 25, who recently advanced through qualifying to reach the main draw of the Qatar Open, offered insight into Williams’ current condition after practicing alongside her.

“I actually practiced with her last Monday. And I messaged her yesterday,” Parks told Tennis Majors in an interview published over the weekend. “She’s definitely a good mentor to me and she’s helped me a lot, especially in my practices. She is in great shape. So I think she would kill it on tour.”

Momentum around Williams’ potential comeback intensified after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) listed her as its most recent “reinstated player.”

Under anti-doping regulations, players seeking to return from retirement or extended breaks must re-enter the testing pool for a minimum of six months before being cleared to compete.

The ITIA lists Williams’ reinstatement date as February 22, aligning with earlier reports that she submitted her application in August last year, according to Bounces.

While no official tournament entry has yet been announced, Williams’ reinstatement marks a significant step toward what could be one of the most high-profile comebacks in tennis history.