Here’s a clean, polished rewrite that stays close to the original meaning and structure:
Tennis legend Serena Williams has reportedly taken her first step toward a possible return to the court.
According to Matthew Futterman of The Athletic, Williams has notified the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that she is seeking reentry into tennis’ International Registered Testing Pool.
Her name appeared on an ITIA player pool list dated Oct. 6.
“She has informed us that she wants to be reinstated into the testing pool,” an ITIA spokesperson told The Athletic. “I’m not sure whether this means she plans to come back or simply wants to keep the option open. All I can confirm is that she’s back in the pool and now subject to whereabouts requirements.”
Players must remain in the testing pool for six months before they are eligible to compete again.
Williams, now 44, last competed during the third round of the 2022 U.S. Open. The day after her exit, she filed for official retirement with the ITIA, which removed her from random drug testing.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion recently told Porter magazine that she is still adjusting to life away from the sport.
“Not as much as this time last year,” she said when asked if she misses tennis. “No matter how prepared you are to retire, especially after doing something every day at such a high level, it’s tough. I prepped myself as much as I could, but it’s still a little difficult.”
Since stepping away from tennis, Williams has remained active as a mother, through her foundation, and as part of the Angel City FC ownership group alongside her husband, Alexis Ohanian, among several other ventures.
