Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci believes the 23-time Grand Slam champion is certain to return to competitive tennis, saying the 44-year-old is “going all out” in training to prepare for a comeback.
Williams, who won her last Grand Slam singles title in 2017 and has not competed since the 2022 U.S. Open, can officially enter tournaments after rejoining the tennis anti-doping testing pool last year.
The American has denied that she is preparing to return to the sport she dominated for two decades, but raised eyebrows last month by deflecting questions about a comeback during an appearance on NBC’s Today Show.
According to Reuters on Monday, Macci, who coached Williams and her sister Venus in the early 1990s, told French publication L’Equipe that he believed she is preparing for a return.
“She’s also played with Alycia Parks, a good friend of hers in South Florida. So I have no doubt about it (her comeback). I always thought she would come back from time to time to make appearances with Venus in doubles.
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“But we’re not just talking about doubles here … she’s going all out. If she didn’t think she could compete with the best and win matches, she wouldn’t do it. It’s 100% certain she’ll dive back into competition,” he said.
Macci, 71, said he had no doubts about her ability to withstand the demands of the tour.
“The question is whether that competitive spirit is still there.
“She’s answering that question herself: she’s coming back because she is a competitor at heart,” he added.
Williams said in August 2022 that she was “evolving away from tennis,” and her team has not responded to Reuters requests for comment on her potential comeback.
Macci suggested that Williams could use Indian Wells or the Miami Open to launch her return next month.
“It’ll be interesting to see how fit she is.
“Making an appearance, playing an exhibition match, or playing a match is one thing.
“Doing it again the next day and the day after that, and performing well day after day is another,” he stated.
Her possible return has already sparked debate within the tennis community, with analysts questioning whether she can match the physical intensity of today’s younger generation on the WTA Tour. However, supporters argue that her experience, serve and mental toughness remain formidable weapons.
A comeback would also mark one of the most high-profile returns in recent tennis history, given her status as a global icon and one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. Tournament organisers would likely welcome her participation, considering the commercial and spectator appeal she commands worldwide.
If she does step back onto the court, Williams would be attempting to add to her 23 Grand Slam singles titles, a tally that places her just one shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
Reuters
