It was a tough moment to see Serena Williams hang up her racket in 2022. After her last match at the US Open that year, the 23-time Grand Slam champ had written an emotional letter, more to herself than to the world, in Vogue explaining why she was stepping away. “I’ve been reluctant to admit that I have to move on from playing tennis,” the tennis legend’s voice had echoed, before mentioning, “I’m going to miss that version of me, that girl who played tennis.” For a person who’s been this ingrained in the sport, a retirement seemed almost impossible. Perhaps that’s the reason fans have never stopped dreaming about a comeback. But is there really anything to be hopeful about?

Speaking on the Today show on August 20, Williams was asked just that. “The US Open is underway. You spent years, a couple decades, smashing records. Do you get tired of people coming up to you and saying, ‘Serena, when are you coming back?’,” the host enquired. Surely, the question must hit a chord, right? But Williams, like a true professional, has adapted to it over the years.

“I don’t know if I get tired of it. I don’t really hear the noise or listen to it. I kind of mute out everything. I’ve gotten really good at muting out the noise. But you know what, it’s a sport that I’ve always loved.” Furthermore, when asked about whether she misses the sport, the 23-time Grand Slam winner’s answer was a no-brainer.

“I do. I think there’s a part of me that will always miss tennis, because it was something you do for your entire life. From the day you remember, you always had a goal. Then one day you wake up, and that’s not your goal anymore, and it’s a huge change,” she said, before adding, “But at the same time, I have so many wonderful memories, you know? I’ve had so many great times, and yeah, I can always take solace in that.”

So there you have it. A return to tennis might not be in this chapter for Serena right now. But her sister Venus Williams is back and bringing energy to the court! After a 16-month break last season due to health issues and a knee injury, Venus faced the weight of possible retirement. But as she once said, “My little sister, Serena, told me I’m not allowed to quit, and of course, I would never quit.” Venus returned to the sport last month at the Citi Open and played in Cincinnati. She faced early exits but is returning to New York this year.

Having said that, for the younger sister, leaving behind an illustrious career was certainly no easy move.

Serena Williams talks about why she misses tennis

In April this year, Williams earned her spot as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Sitting down with correspondent Sean Gregory, she opened up about her love for the tennis court. But also why it stings that she can’t return to it. “I miss it a lot, with all my heart. I miss it because I’m healthy. If I couldn’t walk, or if I was so out of it, I wouldn’t miss it as much. I think I’m healthy because I didn’t overplay,” she said, revealing a subtle triumph behind the scenes.

Serena’s iconic career kicked off in 1995 at just 14. Four years later, she claimed her first Grand Slam at the 1999 US Open—an event she’d dominate six times. Her last major win came in 2017 at the Australian Open while two months pregnant—a bold display of strength that sealed her legendary status. Earlier this year, she revealed that to be her biggest mic drop moment!

As her career wound down, her chase for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam kept the world hooked. Fans, including stars like Tiger Woods and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, gathered at Arthur Ashe Stadium alongside daughter Olympia to witness her historic final match on September 2nd, 2022.

However, now she only looks back at her time on the court fondly. As Serena told TIME, she wanted to focus on motherhood. “I think I’m good at it,” she said, “But I want to explore if I can be great at it.” And she’s consistently proved it for the past few years. From admitting her “obsession” with daughters Adira and Olympia to sharing unique family moments with Alexis, Serena Williams continues proving why she’s the all-time GOAT.