Serena Williams has made a triumphant return to competitive tennis, teaming up with Victoria Mboko for a convincing win at the Queen’s Club Championship.
What happened?
The 23-time Grand Slam champion's performance drew attention online, with critics questioning whether her use of the weight-loss drug tirzepatide could provide an athletic advantage.
Williams announced her role as a spokesperson for Ro, a telehealth company that prescribes GLP-1s, in August 2025.
Why it matters for Serena Williams
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has not banned GLP-1 medications, but added them to its monitoring program in 2024, signaling close scrutiny.
Williams credited tirzepatide with helping her lose over 30 pounds after having two children, as reported to USA Today in 2023.
What comes next?
Thomas Hudzik, a pharmaceutical consultant, dismissed the idea that GLP-1s provide a meaningful competitive boost, telling The Atlantic "I can’t see that there would be much of an advantage at all".
Dr. Jessica Lovato, a double board-certified physician, noted that common side effects can make it harder for athletes to maintain muscle mass and strength.
Rapid weight loss itself can reduce lean muscle mass, regardless of whether achieved through GLP-1 medications, as seen in patients at Banner Health.
Lars Engebretsen, head of WADA’s Health, Medical and Research Committee, believes the drugs deserve closer scrutiny, citing concerns about their potential impact on eating disorders, as told to Norway’s public broadcaster.
The debate arrives as GLP-1 medications continue their rise in popularity, with roughly 1 in 8 Americans reporting use after the FDA approved Wegovy for obesity treatment in 2021.
Williams' stunning results have sparked discussion among experts, with some remaining unconvinced that GLP-1s translate into a substantial performance-enhancing edge.
The tennis icon's return to the court has ignited a wider conversation about the use of weight-loss drugs in sports, with many calling for further research and regulation.
As the use of GLP-1s becomes more widespread, athletes and experts alike are weighing in on the potential benefits and drawbacks of these medications.
The FDA's approval of Wegovy in 2021 marked a significant shift in the treatment of obesity, with many turning to GLP-1s for weight loss.
Williams' experience with tirzepatide has been well-documented, with the tennis star citing the medication as a key factor in her weight loss journey.
The World Anti-Doping Agency's decision to add GLP-1s to its monitoring program in 2024 reflects growing concerns about the potential impact of these medications on athletic performance.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Serena Williams' return to tennis has sparked a vital conversation about the use of weight-loss drugs in sports.
The 44-year-old's performance at the Queen’s Club Championship has drawn attention from fans and critics alike, with many praising her impressive comeback.
Williams' partnership with Victoria Mboko has been a key factor in her success, with the two players forming a formidable team on the court.
The tennis world is watching with bated breath as Williams continues her comeback, with many eager to see how she will perform in upcoming tournaments.