Viral Moment Keeps Serena in the Conversation
Serena Williams, now 45, has not stepped onto a competitive tennis court since pairing with her sister Venus in the US Open doubles this year. Yet she remains impossible to ignore. A recent video alongside YouTube personality IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins, attracted two million views in rapid fashion, drawing a fresh wave of younger fans into her orbit. In the clip, Williams guided Watkins through the basics of the game, clearly amused by his struggles on court, while also expressing genuine admiration for his athleticism as he threw himself around with his trademark energy. The moment was a reminder of just how powerful Serena's global presence remains, even away from active competition.
What Comes Next: Auckland, Australia, or Both?
Speculation about a 2027 comeback has been building steadily. Reports out of New Zealand suggest Williams could appear at the ASB Classic in Auckland in January, though nothing has been officially confirmed. A run at the Australian Open is also being discussed, with sources indicating she could receive a wild card entry if she requested one. Her team has yet to make any formal announcement, partly because Williams avoided the media after her first-round doubles exit at this year's US Open. Crucially, her camp is widely expected to clarify her plans within the coming weeks, and tennis insiders note she would need to build competitive match practice at smaller events before realistically targeting a Grand Slam. Her earlier comeback at Wimbledon this year was cut short by injury, adding another layer of uncertainty to what comes next. TennisDraw users have already been debating Serena's potential bracket impact heading into the first major of 2027.
