"We can make our debut together, and then we can hit the karaoke bar after": Danielle Collins stokes Serena Williams comeback talk with personal dream

Speculation around a potential Serena Williams return gathered pace on Tennis Channel as Lindsay Davenport and Danielle Collins discussed Williams’ decision to re-enter the ITIA testing pool — a move widely seen as a strong indicator that the 23-time Grand Slam champion may not be finished with the sport just yet.

The panel noted that while Williams appeared to question aspects of the process publicly, she has remained in the testing pool, something Davenport believes should not be overlooked. “Yes, but she’s still in it,” Davenport said.

That alone, Collins suggested, points towards genuine intent rather than a symbolic move. “Definitely,” Collins said when asked whether Serena and Venus Williams could reunite in doubles this year. “You only put your name back into that list if you’re serious.”

Davenport agreed, highlighting the demands placed on players enrolled in the testing programme. “You don’t want people knocking on your door at any time unless you’re really serious about it,” she said.

Collins added that the realities of the system make it unlikely that Williams would commit without a clear purpose. “It probably surprised her a little, having to put herself back in,” Collins said. “Yeah, I can’t imagine her just wanting to sign up for drug testing just for the sake of it.”

Davenport went on to explain just how intrusive the process can be, particularly for someone no longer living the week-to-week life of a full-time tour professional. “Keep in mind, you have to give one hour out of every single day where they can come and knock on your door at 6 a.m. or whatever time it is,” she said. “So as a mother of two and a businesswoman, you’re not willingly entering that unless you’re serious.”

For Collins, the hope is simple. “I’m kind of hoping that she’s going to come back,” Collins said. She also revealed a personal regret that could yet be resolved if Williams does return to competition. “I never got a chance to play doubles with Serena,” Collins added.

Collins was then quick to inject some humour into the conversation. “We can make our debut together, and then we can hit the karaoke bar after,” she joked.

When the discussion turned to whether Serena or Venus would have the better chance should a comeback materialise, Davenport leaned towards the elder Williams sister. “I think Venus maybe has a better chance,” she said.

The presenter interjected with a reminder of Serena’s dominance on the biggest stage. “Fourteen–zero in major finals.” Still, Collins felt the gap between the two icons is closer than some might assume. “They’re pretty close,” Collins said. “Venus has the upper hand there.”

Davenport offered a final, measured response. “Maybe.”

While no official announcement has been made, the consensus from the Tennis Channel discussion was clear: Serena Williams’ return to the ITIA testing pool is unlikely to be a coincidence, and the door to a comeback, possibly alongside Venus, remains very much open.

Also it is intriguing in regards to Collins being on Tennis Channel this week and her own personal future. It seems that Collins who took one more year before wanting to have a family but ended up breaking up with her boyfriend and has been looking for a new one since could be coming towards the end. She is missing the Australian Open.

But as a passionate character, Collins no doubt wants to stay in the sport and as someone not afraid to speak her mind is perhaps a perfect pick for the Tennis Channel desk and also other broadcasters. Whether she returns remains to be seen like Serena, but she has offered her takes early on in her media career and could go down the road of Christopher Eubanks in being a top American to retire and go into media after their time is done.