Serena Williams Training Intensely for Tennis Comeback, Says Former Coach Rick Macci
Tennis legend Serena Williams is reportedly ramping up her training regimen in preparation for a potential return to professional competition, according to her former coach Rick Macci. The 44-year-old, who last won a Grand Slam singles title in 2017 and has not played since the 2022 U.S. Open, has been the subject of intense speculation about a comeback.
Eligibility and Training Details
Williams became eligible to re-enter tournaments after rejoining the sport's anti-doping testing pool last year. Macci, who coached both Serena and her sister Venus in the early 1990s, told French outlet L'Equipe that he is convinced she is gearing up for competition. "If she didn't believe she could compete with the best and win matches, she wouldn't be doing this," Macci stated, expressing confidence in her return.
According to Macci, Williams has been training intensely with several sparring partners, including male players, and has also practiced with fellow American Alycia Parks in South Florida. He initially expected her to return occasionally for doubles appearances with Venus but now believes she is targeting a full-scale comeback.
Public Statements and Speculation
Despite publicly denying comeback plans, Williams sparked rumors during a recent appearance on NBC's Today Show when she avoided giving a direct answer about returning to the tour. In August 2022, she had stated she was "evolving away from tennis," but her representatives have yet to comment on the latest developments.
Macci, 71, added that he has no concerns about her physical ability to handle the demands of the tour, suggesting her competitive drive remains the key factor. He hinted that tournaments like Indian Wells or the Miami Open could serve as potential platforms for her return, noting that sustained performance over consecutive days would be the real test of her readiness.
