“She’s going all out”: Rick Macci backs Serena Williams’ comeback after ITIA approval

Serena Williams is officially eligible to compete again on the WTA Tour after being readmitted to the anti-doping programme of the International Tennis Integrity Agency. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has completed the mandatory six-month period in the registered testing pool, removing the final procedural obstacle to a return.

The confirmation means Williams, at 44 years old, can now enter WTA tournaments and Grand Slam events if she chooses. Although she has not announced a specific comeback date, the regulatory step is significant. Without re-entering the testing pool and fulfilling the required monitoring period, she would have been ineligible to compete at the highest level.

Her readmission follows months of speculation fuelled by training clips shared on social media, including sessions focused on her serve and baseline work. Williams previously played down suggestions of a return, but the formal clearance inevitably shifts the conversation. Eligibility transforms the idea of a comeback from rumour into a realistic competitive option.

As a former world No. 1 and winner of 23 major singles titles, Williams’ potential return would carry competitive and commercial weight. The timing also aligns with the upcoming Sunshine Double in North American hard-courts, where high-profile events could provide a natural stage should she decide to reappear.

Rick Macci, who coached Williams in her formative years, believes the decision to complete the anti-doping requirement signals serious intent. The 71-year-old has been unequivocal in his assessment that this is not a symbolic move or a temporary appearance plan. In his view, players do not re-enter the testing pool and commit to months of monitoring unless they are preparing for genuine competition.

"She's training with lots of sparring partners - guys," he said to L’Equipe. "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."

The American coach then made clear that, in his view, the objective goes beyond occasional doubles outings and nostalgic appearances alongside her sister. He described the current phase as structured and performance-driven rather than promotional. "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."

For Macci, the decisive factor is Williams’ internal drive. He framed the debate around competitive instinct rather than age, arguing that the willingness to re-enter the testing programme reflects a deeper motivation tied to performance. "The question is whether that competitive spirit is still there," he added. "She's answering that question herself: she's coming back because she is a competitor at heart."

While confident in her intent, Macci acknowledged that returning to the tour presents a distinct physical challenge. Competing across multiple days against top-ranked opponents is fundamentally different from training sessions or isolated matches. The modern WTA schedule demands recovery, consistency and sustained intensity over consecutive rounds.

According to Macci, the North American swing could provide the moment for her return, potentially at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden or the Miami Open, tournaments where Williams has previously built strong records and familiarity with conditions.

He stressed, however, that sustained performance remains the central question. "It'll be interesting to see how fit she is," he added. "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."