"Serena Williams' comeback has started" - Childhood coach Rick Macci shows his support for American icon as she returns to court with daughter Adira
Serena Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci reacted to her latest video in which the American spends time with her one-year-old daughter Adira on the tennis court. He hinted at the 43-year-old's tennis comeback after retiring over two years ago.
Williams took to Instagram to share a video of her younger daughter Adira joining her on the tennis court. Adira picks up the ball and runs away while ignoring her mother's instruction to put it into the basket with the rest of the balls. Williams says Adira tossed the balls into the basket before the camera started rolling.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion hinted that she had begun training her one-year-old to follow in her footsteps.
"When's too early?" Serena Williams wrote.
Rick Macci, Serena Williams' coach from the early 1990s, uploaded the video on his X account and wrote:
"Serena’s comeback has started in prequalifying!! Let’s go!! 🏆"
Macci was an early coach of Serena and Venus Williams, helping develop their foundational skills and fierce competitive spirit when they were young. He frequently shares stories and insights about his experiences with the sisters.
Rick Macci offers a glimpse into Serena Williams and Venus Williams' relationship
Rick Macci played a pivotal role in the early careers of Serena Williams and Venus Williams. When Serena was nine, their father Richard Williams moved his family from Compton, California, to West Palm Beach, Florida, so his daughters could train with Macci, a renowned coach. However, Richard pulled the sisters out of Macci’s academy in 1995 to guide them more closely.
Decades later, Macci continues to share fond memories of Serena and Venus. Reflecting on their bond and competitive spirit, he recently posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"They never fought as kids. Two peas in a pod. Always skipping holding hands smiling, playing with dolls, and stealing her food. On court always fought. Two pea shooters. Still smiling playing against the enemy but stealing points instead of food."
Serena earned 23 Grand Slam titles and retired from the sport in 2022. Meanwhile, 44-year-old Venus is yet to hang up her racket. She recently voiced her desire to continue playing into 2025.
The Williams sisters own an extraordinary 14-0 record in women's doubles Grand Slam finals. They have also won three Olympic gold medals together.