2 min learnUp to date: Feb 23, 2026 01:16 PM IST
Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci believes the 23-times Grand Slam champion is for certain to return to aggressive tennis and mentioned the 44-year-old is “going all out” in coaching to get herself prepared for a return to the game.
Williams, who gained her final Grand Slam singles title in 2017 and has not competed for the reason that 2022 U.S. Open, can formally enter tournaments after rejoining the tennis anti-doping testing pool final yr.
The American has denied that she is getting ready to return to the game she dominated for 20 years, however raised eyebrows final month by deflecting questions on a comeback throughout an look on NBC’s Immediately Present.
Macci, who beforehand coached Williams and her sister Venus within the early Nineteen Nineties, informed French publication L’Equipe that he believed she is getting ready for a comeback.
“She’s coaching with a number of sparring companions – guys,” he mentioned. “She’s additionally performed with Alycia Parks, a superb pal of hers in South Florida. So I’ve little question about it (her comeback). I at all times thought she would come again every now and then to make appearances with Venus in doubles.
“However we’re not simply speaking about doubles right here … she’s going all out. If she didn’t assume she might compete with one of the best and win matches, she wouldn’t do it. It’s 100% sure she’ll dive again into competitors.”
Macci, 71, had no doubts about Williams’ capacity to deal with the rigours of the tour.
“The query is whether or not that aggressive spirit remains to be there,” he added. “She’s answering that query herself: she’s coming again as a result of she is a competitor at coronary heart.”
Williams mentioned in August 2022 that she was “evolving away from tennis” and her workforce has not responded to Reuters requests for touch upon her potential comeback.
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Macci recommended that Williams might use Indian Wells or the Miami Open to launch her comeback subsequent month.
“It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how match she is,” he added. “Making an look, taking part in an exhibition match or a match is one factor. Doing it once more the following day and the day after that, and performing nicely day after day is one other.”