Tennis: Uncertainty surrounds Serena Williams’ return, Sabalenka expresses excitement.

Melbourne: World number one Aryna Sabalenka said it would be “cool” to see Serena Williams back in tennis, after the American legend refused to rule it out when asked, instead replying: “I don’t know. I’ll just see what happens.” The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, a 44-year-old mother of two, hasn’t played a competitive match since her third-round defeat at the 2022 US Open. But she re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool in December, sparking speculation, though she denied a comeback was on the cards. She was asked again about the possibility on the television show “Today” on Wednesday, and while she didn’t confirm any plans, she also didn’t rule it out. “I’m just having fun right now and enjoying my life,” Williams said. When pressed on whether it was a yes or a no, she replied: “It’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’ll just see what happens.” Asked why she re-entered the drug-testing program, Williams said: “Did I re-enter? I didn’t know I was out. Look, I can’t talk about that.” Williams’ sister Venus, 45, played at the ongoing Australian Open in Melbourne after receiving a wildcard, but was eliminated in the first round. Venus also competed in tournaments in Auckland and Hobart after returning to tennis in July after an almost two-year absence. Asked about the possibility of Serena’s return, Australian Open finalist Sabalenka said she hadn’t spoken to anyone about it. “I heard she’s enjoying her life, and whatever makes her happy, I’m happy for her,” she said. The Belarusian player, who reached her fourth consecutive Melbourne final, added: “If she wants to come back, it’s her decision. It would be fun to see her back on tour. She has personality, and she’s fun. It would be cool.” Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, whom Sabalenka defeated in the Melbourne semi-finals, said she had heard about it for the first time but said it “would be amazing for the sport.” She added, “She’s a great champion and has achieved so much, done so much for our sport and been an inspiration for women all over the world.” Also Read – Mertens-Zhang to face off in Women’s Doubles final, Sabalenka to face Rybakina in Singles – ‘No doubt’ – During the Australian Open, former world number one Jim Courier, now a commentator, explained how difficult it is for athletes to be in the anti-doping testing pool. Once they are in it, they have to provide information about when and where they will be available for testing. They have to complete six months of testing before being allowed to return to competition. “Anyone who doesn’t intend to play professional tennis wouldn’t put themselves on that list, especially a seasoned player like Serena Williams,” Courier said. “Serena denied (in December) that she was coming back, but I think unless she gets injured, there’s no doubt she’ll play somewhere at some point. Whether it’s mixed doubles at the US Open, whether it’s doubles with her sister somewhere, whether it’s singles, only she knows. But there’s no other way to interpret it.” The Williams sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals as a pair.