Точка Синхронізації

American tennis legend Serena Williams is officially eligible to return to professional competition on February 22 following the completion of the formal reinstatement process required by the sport's governing bodies. This milestone marks the end of her period out of the active rankings and cooling-off phase, potentially paving the way for one of the most anticipated comebacks in athletic history. The eligibility date serves as the final administrative hurdle for the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who has been away from the professional circuit since her emotional farewell at the US Open in 2022. The reinstatement process is a mandatory protocol for retired players or those who have removed themselves from the drug-testing pool and wish to return to the WTA Tour. By successfully navigating these requirements, Williams has regained her status as an active competitor, though she has not yet officially confirmed which tournament might serve as her return venue. The timing is particularly significant as it aligns with the buildup to the spring hard-court season in North America, including high-profile events in Indian Wells and Miami. Speculation regarding Williams' future has remained a constant topic in the sporting world since she announced she was "evolving away" from tennis. Despite her lengthy absence, the 42-year-old icon has frequently dropped hints about a potential return, famously stating that the word "retirement" was not part of her vocabulary. Her return to the eligibility list grants her the ability to utilize a protected ranking or seek wildcards into major draws, though the physical demands of returning to elite-level play after a multi-year hiatus remain a significant question mark for fans and analysts alike.