TENNIS: Former coach Macci says Serena certain to make comeback

Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci believes the 23-time Grand Slam champion is set to return to competitive tennis. Macci said the 44-year-old is "going all out" in training to prepare for a potential comeback.

Williams, who won her last Grand Slam singles title in 2017 and has not competed since the 2022 U.S. Open, became eligible to enter tournaments again after rejoining the tennis anti-doping testing pool last year.

While Williams has denied plans for a return, she sparked speculation last month during an appearance on NBC’s Today Show when she deflected questions about a potential comeback.

Macci, who coached Serena and her sister Venus in the early 1990s, told French publication L’Equipe that he believes Williams is preparing for a full return.

"She’s training with lots of sparring partners—guys," he said. "She’s also played with Alycia Parks, a good friend of hers in South Florida. So I have no doubt about it. I always thought she would come back from time to time to make appearances with Venus in doubles. 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."

Macci, 71, expressed confidence in Williams’ ability to handle the demands of the tour. "The question is whether that competitive spirit is still there," he added. "She’s answering that question herself: she’s coming back because she is a competitor at heart."

Williams previously said in August 2022 that she was "evolving away from tennis." Her team has not commented on the possibility of a comeback.

Macci suggested Williams could use either the Indian Wells or Miami Open to relaunch her career next month.

"It’ll be interesting to see how fit she is," he said. "Making an appearance, playing an exhibition match, or a match is one thing. Doing it again the next day and the day after that, and performing well day after day is another."

-Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters