Lewis Hamilton urges Serena Williams to return to tennis amid comeback rumours

Lewis Hamilton has responded to rumours linking his close friend Serena Williams to a return to professional tennis.

The 44-year-old was ranked as the world No. 1 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association for 319 weeks, which is the third-most of all time. She has 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles to her name, including 23 major women's singles titles.

Williams retired in September 2022, but there have been rumblings of a potential return for the American.

"I'd love to. I keep telling her to come back," Hamilton explained when asked if he would like to see Williams return. "I'm a massive supporter of her. She's the greatest of all time, such a legend. She was at one of the races just recently. She's a dear friend as well, which I'm really honoured to be able to say."

The rumours were sparked by Williams's re-entering the tennis anti-doping testing pool, which led many to believe she could return in 2026. While the rumours have continued to spread, Williams attempted to squash the discussion on social media. "Omg, y'all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy-," she posted.

Hamilton and Williams have been friends for some time. The seven-time Formula 1 champion previously paid tribute to the tennis star, branding her the greatest of all time. 

"Taking a moment before the race today to show my appreciation and gratitude to the greatest of all time, Serena Williams," he posted in September 2022 when she announced her retirement.

"We will never see another Serena. She’s one of a kind. She came through like a wrecking ball and has been so spectacular to witness. She has such fierceness, power, and strength in both body and mind. To be so bold, Black, brave and, above all, a kind and caring human being is beautiful.

"I remember watching her and Venus at their first games with my dad on TV. Seeing such talented women dominating a field where no one looked like them gave me hope. They made me believe that superheroes are real, and they can look [like] me and my family. I never dreamed in a million years I would meet these heroes and come to call them my friends. I knew that I wasn’t alone because of you. I knew I could never give up because you didn’t. I can’t thank you two enough.

"Still today you remind me to never give up, you remind me what we stand for and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You make me want to be better in all ways. A better competitor, a better brother, a better friend, and a better leader. You inspire me every day and just know you always have a brother in me. Serena, I’m wishing you all the happiness in what’s next for you. You truly deserve it."