Serena Williams' childhood coach Rick Macci believes the American tennis icon is returning to tennis because she wants to add another Grand Slam to her collection.
The former 23-time Grand Slam champion, who stopped competing after the 2022 US Open, re-entered the ITIA's anti-doping testing pool in mid-2025. That information wasn't revealed until December.
For context, after a player leaves the ITIA's anti-doping pool, they are no longer subjected to doping controls. If a player wants to return to tennis, they are first required to be doping-tested for six months before being allowed to sign up for professional tournaments once again.
On Sunday, February 22, Williams' mandatory re-entry period ended. That means that the former world No. 1 is now eligible to return to the WTA Tour.
While Williams hasn't officially confirmed yet that she is definitely coming back, Macci – who is widely credited for the early development of the American tennis legend – thinks the 44-year-old has a clear goal. And the 71-year-old warns that counting out one of the greatest ever could be a big mistake.
"She hopes to be able to win another Grand Slam. Never discard the heart of the greatest of all time and take them out at 190km/h they will fly," Macci said.
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) February 21, 2026
Williams didn't confirm nor deny returning to tennis during a recent appearance
In late January, Williams was a guest on The Today Show. When asked if the comeback rumors were true, the 44-year-old said that "it is not a yes or a no."
"Really, you are asking me that on this show? Oh, my God. I'm having fun and enjoying life right now. It's not a yes or a no. I do not know. I'm just going to see what happens. I have two children. I'm a full-time stay-at-home mom. When I filled out a form the other day, I wrote 'homemaker' in the 'occupation' section. Have I rejoined the anti-doping program? I do not know if I would left it. Listen, I can not talk about it," Williams said at the time.
Williams captured her 23rd Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open, but failed to match Margaret Court's record of 24 Majors after losing her last four Slam finals.
