Serena Williams has been officially listed as eligible to return to professional tennis from February 22, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), reigniting speculation about a possible comeback by one of the sport’s greatest icons.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion, now 44, quietly rejoined the anti-doping testing pool late last year, a move that immediately sparked debate across the tennis world. At the time, Williams played down suggestions that the decision meant she was planning a return, insisting it did not signal an imminent comeback.

However, curiosity intensified last month when she sidestepped questions about a return during an appearance on NBC’s Today show, leaving fans and analysts guessing.

While her eligibility clears a major procedural hurdle, there is still no confirmation that Williams intends to step back onto the women’s tour. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has yet to comment on the development.

Williams last competed at the 2022 US Open and has not won a Grand Slam singles title since the 2017 Australian Open. Despite her absence, her legacy continues to loom large over the sport, making even the possibility of a return headline-worthy.

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has reacted to a viral fan pledge involving a supporter who has refused to cut his hair until the club wins five consecutive matches.

Speaking to reporters, Carrick confirmed that he is aware of the unusual vow, revealing that it was his children who first brought it to his attention. However, the former United midfielder was quick to downplay any influence the story might have on the team.

“I’m aware of it. My kids have made me aware of it, but it certainly won’t go into the team talk,” Carrick said.

While acknowledging the emotional investment of supporters during a difficult period for the club, Carrick insisted that such gestures would not affect on-field performances.

“I can understand what’s going on. It does make me smile, but it won’t make an impact in the end,” he added.

Manchester Unitedhase struggled for consistency in recent weeks, with fans growing increasingly restless over the team’s inability to put together a sustained winning run. The fan’s vow has since gained attention on social media, symbolising the frustration and hope among sections of the club’s global support base.

Despite the light-hearted nature of the story, Carrick reiterated that his focus remains firmly on improving performances and results as United look to stabilise their season.

Manchester City tightened their grip on the Premier League title race with a commanding victory over Liverpool, leaving the Reds’ title hopes wobbling and inadvertently opening the door for Arsenal to quietly smile from the shadows.

City, looking every bit like champions who refuse to panic, delivered a composed and ruthless performance that exposed Liverpool’s familiar late-season fragility. Pep Guardiola’s side moved with purpose, pressed with intelligence, and punished mistakes with the efficiency of a team that has been here before many times.

For Liverpool, it was another painful reminder that passion alone does not win titles. Despite the noise from the stands and flashes of attacking intent, Jurgen Klopp’s men struggled to keep up with City’s tempo. Defensive lapses and missed chances turned Anfield or neutral ground into a theatre of frustration, as City calmly took control of the narrative.

As Liverpool stumbled, Arsenal found themselves unintended beneficiaries of the evening. Mikel Arteta’s side, who have quietly stayed within touching distance, will view the result as a significant twist in a title race that once looked like a two-horse affair. Suddenly, the Gunners are no longer outsiders but serious contenders waiting to pounce.

While City march on with the confidence of serial winners, Liverpool is left asking familiar questions about consistency and composure. Arsenal, meanwhile, will hope that City’s latest victory over the Reds is not just another headline but an invitation.

With the season entering its decisive stretch, the title race is no longer straightforward. Manchester City are in control, Liverpool are licking their wounds, and Arsenal are watching closely, very closely.