Serena Williams going all out for comeback – Ex-coach

by · The Eagle Online

Serena Williams is preparing for a return to competitive tennis, her former coach Rick Macci has said.

According to Reuters on Monday, Macci told French publication L’Equipe that the 23-time Grand Slam champion is fully committed to a comeback despite publicly denying plans to return.

“She’s training with lots of sparring partners – guys,” Macci said.

“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.

“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.”

Williams, 44, has not competed since the 2022 U.S. Open. She won her last Grand Slam singles title in 2017.

She rejoined the tennis anti-doping testing pool last year, making her eligible to officially enter tournaments.

She said in August 2022 that she was “evolving away from tennis”.

Her team has not responded to Reuters’ request for comment on a possible return.

Last month, she also deflected questions about a comeback during an appearance on NBC’s Today Show.

Macci, 71, who coached Williams and her sister Venus in the early 1990s, said her ability is not in doubt.

“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 said.

He suggested Indian Wells or the Miami Open could serve as potential return events next month.

“It’ll be interesting to see how fit she is. 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 added.

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