KEY POINTS
- Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci claims Serena Williams will definitely return to professional competition.
- Macci suggests the 23-time Grand Slam winner has already resumed intensive training for a 2026 return.
- The prediction focuses on Williams pursuing one final record-breaking title to surpass Margaret Court.
Tennis icon Serena Williams may be preparing for a sensational return to the professional tour. Her childhood coach, Rick Macci, made the bold claim during a recent interview on Monday. Macci stated he is absolutely certain that Williams will compete again at the highest level. He believes her competitive drive remains too strong to stay away from the game permanently.
The legendary trainer worked with both Serena and Venus Williams during their formative years in Florida. He claims to have inside knowledge regarding her current physical condition and mindset. According to Macci, the American superstar has already started a rigorous training program. This secret preparation aims to get her body ready for the physical demands of the WTA circuit.
Williams officially stepped away from the sport following the 2022 US Open in New York. While she avoided using the word “retirement,” she indicated she was “evolving away” from tennis. Since then, she has focused on her venture capital firm and growing her family. However, the allure of one more major title appears to be a powerful motivator.
The primary goal of a potential comeback would be history-making in nature. Williams currently holds 23 Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era. She sits just one trophy behind Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24. Macci believes that this specific milestone is the only reason she would consider returning to the court. Breaking that record would officially cement her status as the greatest player of all time.
Macci suggests that Williams might target a specific surface for her return to play. He noted that her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes remain effective on grass courts. This has led to speculation that Wimbledon 2026 could be her intended destination. The faster surface requires shorter rallies, which could benefit a player returning from a long hiatus.
The tennis world has reacted with a mix of excitement and skepticism to Macci’s comments. Some analysts wonder if a player in her mid-forties can still compete with the younger generation. The current top players possess elite athleticism and high-velocity games. However, Williams has proven doubters wrong many times throughout her unprecedented career.
Serena has not yet released an official statement regarding these latest comeback rumors. She has previously teased her fans with social media posts showing her on a tennis court. Each video or photo triggers a wave of speculation among her millions of global supporters. Macci’s direct confirmation has now taken the conversation to a new level of intensity.
If Williams does return, it would represent one of the biggest stories in sports history. Her presence alone would guarantee sell-out crowds and massive television ratings for any tournament. The “Serena Effect” continues to be a dominant force in the sports economy. For now, fans must wait for a formal announcement from the champion herself.
