Serena Williams ex-coach predicts Indian Wells or Miami return

WTA tennis legend Serena Williams has cleared all the hurdles and is officially reinstated as of February 22, 2026.

The 44-year-old retired after the 2022 US Open and has been busy with her business, philanthropic, and family; however, something must have triggered a comeback.

Perhaps it was watching her sister Venus Williams make a joyful and healthy return to the game the sisters grew up playing together.

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Regardless, the tennis world awaits the Serena Williams comeback that she herself as downplayed. Her former coach, Rick Macci, believes the comeback will be sooner rather than later.

Could Serena Williams come back in March for Indian Wells or Miami?

While many have speculated that her return would be in the summer, perhaps at Wimbledon or the US Open hardcourt series, others thought the US Sunshine Double in March may be a great place for Serena to reenter the scene.

She is fit and practicing as fans have noted from her social media videos over the past couple of months. Serena recently hit with American Alycia Parks so she is loggin court time with current players to test her level.

Indian Wells begins next week. When asked about Serena’s status, tournament officials said they have heard nothing from her camp.

Tennis Channel’s Jon Wertheim said the windy conditions at Indian Wells may be a detractor for Serena in her first tournament back.

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In addition, the Williams sisters have a love/hate relationship with Indian Wells dating back to 2001 which caused them to boycot the event for over a decade while in their prime. However, Venus has accepted wildcards to singles and doubles (with Leylah Fernandez) at Indian Wells next week.

A more likely spring return would be at the Miami Open beginning March 15. Former American player James Blake is the tournament director so it would be relatively easy for Serena, the eight-time Miami Open champion, to get a wildcard in singles or doubles or both if she desired.

Serena probably enjoys that everyone is guessing what her next move is. A return will reset her eligibility timeline for the International Tennis Hall of Fame. As of now, she would be a shoo-in in her first year of elgibility in 2027.

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