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Serena Williams is “100% certain” to make a competitive return to tennis, according to her former coach Rick Macci, who claims the 23-time Grand Slam champion is “going all out” in training.
The 44-year-old, who has not competed since the 2022 US Open, has reportedly been preparing intensely for a comeback, despite previously denying such plans.
Williams, whose last Grand Slam singles title came in 2017, recently rejoined the sport’s anti-doping testing pool, a necessary step for any player wishing to enter tournaments.
While she has publicly dismissed suggestions of a return, she notably sidestepped questions about a comeback during an appearance on NBC’s Today Show last month, sparking further speculation.
Macci, who coached Williams and her sister Venus in the early 1990s, shared his conviction with French publication L’Equipe.
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Macci coached Venus and Serena in the early 1990s (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
“She’s training with lots of sparring partners – guys,” he revealed. “She’s also played with Alycia Parks, a good friend of hers in South Florida. So I have no doubt about it (her comeback).”
He added: “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.”
The 71-year-old coach expressed no concerns about Williams’ physical ability to handle the demands of the tour.
“The question is whether that competitive spirit is still there,” he mused. “She’s answering that question herself: she’s coming back because she is a competitor at heart.”
This assessment contrasts with Williams’ own statement in August 2022, when she declared she was “evolving away from tennis.”
Her team has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding a potential return.
Macci suggested that Williams could target next month’s Indian Wells or Miami Open tournaments for her highly anticipated comeback. However, he also acknowledged the challenge of sustained performance.
“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,” he concluded.