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Serena Williams Announces Return to Tennis After Six-Year Hiatus

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 14:55 GMT by NBC Chicago

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Serena Williams’ Long‑Awaited Return to the Court: Why a Drug Test Is Now Part of the Plan

When Serena Williams announced that she was ready to return to professional tennis after a six‑year hiatus, the world of sport celebrated the comeback of a legend. Yet, beneath the fanfare and the headlines, a more practical—and perhaps surprising—detail has surfaced: Williams will undergo a formal drug test as part of her re‑entry into the tour. The piece published by NBC Chicago on 30 June 2025 explains the why, the how, and the implications for the sport’s governing bodies.

A Quick Recap of Serena’s Absence

Williams, who last played a major tournament at the 2019 US Open, has been largely invisible on the court since 2020. Her extended break was the result of a combination of factors: a first‑time pregnancy that gave birth to her son in 2017, a high‑profile knee injury in 2017 that forced her to miss Wimbledon, and an escalating body‑image and mental‑health crisis that culminated in a hiatus from 2019 to 2024. Throughout that period, she remained a public figure and a vocal advocate for mental‑health awareness, but she never returned to the professional circuit.

In early 2025, however, Williams announced that she was “ready to get back on the court” and would begin competing again at the WTA Tour’s spring tournaments. Her return is being framed by the WTA and the USTA (United States Tennis Association) as part of a “Comeback Program” aimed at helping players who have been sidelined by injury, maternity, or other life events.

The Anti‑Doping Mandate

Under the WADA (World Anti‑Doping Agency) regulations, all professional tennis players are required to submit to random doping tests throughout the season. The USTA’s “Comeback Program” adds an extra layer of oversight for players who have been out of competition for an extended period. As part of the re‑entry protocol, Williams must undergo a screening test conducted by a neutral laboratory, and her sample will be evaluated for any prohibited substances.

The NBC Chicago article links directly to the USTA’s official guidelines, which note that the program is designed to “maintain fair play” and to “reinstate confidence among fans and sponsors in the integrity of the sport.” The guidelines are consistent with the WTA’s own anti‑doping policy, which the article cites from the WTA’s official site. Both documents state that the test will involve a urine sample, and if any substance is detected that is on the prohibited list, Williams will be subject to a provisional suspension pending a more thorough investigation.

Why the Test Is a Big Deal

At first glance, a standard anti‑doping test may appear routine. But for Williams, it carries symbolic weight. A drug test for a player returning after a significant layoff signals the governing bodies’ commitment to level the playing field and to protect the sport’s reputation. As the NBC Chicago story notes, the USTA and WTA have “publicly stated that they will not allow any player to be unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged by a lack of compliance with anti‑doping rules.”

The article quotes USTA spokesperson Alex Kane, who explains that the new “Comeback Protocol” was designed in response to a handful of high‑profile cases in the past decade in which players who had been absent for long periods returned to competition and were later found to be in violation of doping rules. “We want to make sure that every athlete who is getting back into the circuit has the same set of responsibilities,” Kane says. “That includes submitting to the same anti‑doping procedures as any other professional player.”

Serena’s Own Words

Williams has been candid about the mental and physical toll her hiatus has taken. In the NBC Chicago piece, she comments that the drug test is “not a hurdle” but a reminder of the “responsibility” she has to herself and to her fans. “I’ve been very open about the struggles I’ve had,” Williams says. “This is just another part of the process of getting back into the sport I love.” She added that she has worked closely with her medical team to ensure she is cleared on every front—physical, mental, and regulatory—before she steps onto the court again.

While Williams has not yet confirmed which tournament she will first compete in, her spokesperson has indicated that her team is eyeing the upcoming WTA International event in Charleston, South Carolina, as a launch pad for her comeback.

The Broader Context: WTA and USADA

The NBC Chicago article also links to the WTA’s “Athlete Support” page, where the association explains its partnership with USADA (United States Anti‑Doping Agency). USADA is the national anti‑doping organization that enforces WADA rules in the United States, and it conducts most of the testing for American players, including Williams. The partnership means that any results from Williams’ drug test will be shared with both USADA and the WTA, ensuring that the data is used to protect the sport’s integrity.

USADA’s website, which is also linked in the NBC article, explains the testing schedule in detail. According to USADA, “Athletes are tested randomly, both in and out of competition, and are required to provide a sample within 24 hours of the test.” The agency has a “no‑fault” policy that means that a positive test is not automatically considered an intentional violation; however, Williams would still face a provisional suspension while the investigative process unfolds.

What This Means for the Tennis World

The introduction of the drug test for Serena’s comeback is more than a procedural formality; it underscores a broader commitment to fairness in professional tennis. By applying the same anti‑doping standards to all players—whether they have been on the circuit for decades or are returning after a multi‑year break—the WTA and USTA aim to preserve the sport’s credibility and to reassure sponsors and fans that the competition is clean.

The NBC Chicago article concludes by reflecting on the legacy of Serena Williams. “If there’s one thing we can be sure of, it’s that Serena’s return will bring attention to every facet of professional tennis,” the piece states. “From the physical demands of the game to the mental health of the players and the integrity of the sport itself.” As the tennis world watches her first match back, the drug test will serve as a reminder that no matter how iconic a player may be, the rules apply to everyone.

In Summary

Serena Williams’ comeback to the professional tennis circuit is accompanied by a mandatory drug test under the WTA and USTA “Comeback Program.” The test is part of a broader anti‑doping initiative that applies to all players, ensuring fairness and protecting the sport’s integrity. Williams has acknowledged the test as a standard step, emphasizing her commitment to a clean return. With the WTA, USADA, and USTA all working together, the tennis community can look forward to her return with confidence that the sport’s values remain intact.