**Simone Biles Looks to Serena Williams for Guidance on Potential Comeback**
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Simone Biles has expressed admiration for tennis legend Serena Williams during a recent interview at the 2026 US Open. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Biles, the Olympic gymnastics icon, praised Williams as “the GOAT” and conveyed her interest in reaching out for advice as she contemplates a possible return to competitive gymnastics.
During the interview on 8 September, Biles, who is currently 29, reflected on Williams’ recent return to the tennis court. Williams, at 44, participated in doubles alongside her sister, Venus Williams, marking her first appearance in the US Open since 2022. Despite their efforts, the pair faced defeat in the first round against Maya Joint and Chan Hao-ching.
Feeling inspired by Williams’ comeback, Biles admitted, “I actually need to text her like, ‘Hey, what are your thoughts?’ We need to catch up.” The aspect of mentorship resonates with Biles as she weighs the possibility of competing again, particularly in light of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Although she has not made any formal announcements regarding her own competitive future, the gymnast hinted at her consideration of a comeback, saying with a laugh, “No breaking news tonight!”
Prior to the US Open, Biles had not entirely dismissed the idea of returning to gymnastics. In an interview with CNN Sports back in April, she noted, “I feel like we’re still at a 50-50… We’re on a time crunch here.” With the Olympics just a couple of years away, her decision-making is becoming increasingly urgent.
Throughout her illustrious career, Biles has amassed a formidable collection of medals, garnering 11 across three Olympic Games. When asked about the prospect of training with Williams and fellow athlete Coco Gauff, Biles enthusiastically declared, “I mean, she’s just the GOAT. Why not?” Despite her lack of experience in tennis, she felt a training session with Williams would lead to “great vibes”, highlighting her penchant for camaraderie within the sporting community.
Mental health remains a pivotal factor in Biles’ contemplation of a return to high-performance gymnastics. Following her emotional struggles during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she faced the “twisties”—a phenomenon causing disorientation in gymnasts—Biles has been candid about the importance of mental well-being.
In her comments to CNN Sports at the Laureus World Sports Awards, she explained, “Mental health plays a big role in it because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape… But mental is a huge thing, and it’s a lot of dedication on that.” She acknowledged that the journey toward competitive readiness would be long and challenging.
At present, Biles is focusing on recovery after her appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, allowing her body the necessary time to recuperate. Nevertheless, her fans remain hopeful as she shares glimpses of her fitness journey through social media. In early September, she posted videos of herself executing flips and tricks, saying, “I’m just playing around to see if I’ve still got it,” providing a glimpse into her ongoing connection with gymnastics.
As Biles continues to navigate her mental and physical journey towards potential competition, the influence of fellow athletes like Williams could provide crucial support in her decision-making process. With the world watching, it will be fascinating to see whether Biles chooses to take the plunge back into competitive gymnastics and what insights she may gain from her interactions with the sporting greats around her.
As the sporting landscape evolves, Biles remains a beacon of resilience, and her next steps will undoubtedly inspire many within the gymnastics community and beyond. Whether she returns to the podium in Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028, one thing is certain: Biles continues to redefine what it means to be an athlete in today’s world.