Venus and Serena Williams are two of the most successful, influential, and celebrated women tennis players in history. Their journey from two young kinds in Compton, California, to dominating tennis on a global stage for decades has become an example for millions. For this, their father turned coach, Richard Williams, received most of the credit. But surprisingly, not many know about the significance of their first professional coach, Rick Macci.

Macci is a United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Master Professional, also a former player. Notably, he received the USPTA Coach of the Year award seven times. Also, besides Venus and Serena, Macci coached former World No.1’s Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, and Maria Sharapova.

Who is Venus and Serena Williams’ first coach, Rick Macci?

In Greenville, Ohio, Rick Macci was born to Norma and Santi Macci on December 7, 1954. He studied at Greenville Senior High School and then went to Wright State University.

Impressively, he was once the top-ranked under-18 player in the whole of Ohio. Later on, he became the No.1 player in the Adult category in New Jersey.

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Afterward, the American tennis coach opened the Rick Macci Tennis Academy in Florida. Initially, he only coached two players, including the three-time Grand Slam champion Jennifer Capriati.

Following this, Macci teamed up with Richard Williams to coach Venus and Serena Williams. Naturally, the Williams sisters have credited Macci as one of the most pivotal figures in their careers.

Where Did Venus and Serena Williams’ Father Richard Williams Learn Tennis From?

What is Rick Macci’s relationship with Venus and Serena’s father, Richard Williams?

Recently, Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO brought King Richard film, the life story of Richard, Venus, and Serena Williams. In this biopic, there is also a brief portrayal of Rick Macci.

So, when he attended the premiere of the movie, all the flashbacks of his life resurfaced. In an interview with Esquire, he opened up on his relationship with the Williams family.

“Back in 1991 to ’94, it was really me and Richard against the world,” Macci said. “He was my best friend, and Venus and Serena were like family. They were like my daughters. And when you’re with someone every day, four, five hours a day, six days a week for four years, that’s a long time.”

Furthermore, Macci was the youngest person ever to be inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame. Funnily enough, he said he should be in the Hall of Fame just for dealing with Richard for four years. “But no, he was my best friend. And I understood him,” Macci said.

Watch this story: How Serena Williams and Venus Williams Grew Up in Compton

Rick Macci’s Net Worth 2021

As of 2021, Rick Macci’s net worth is $2 million. At 66, he continues to coach young tennis players with utmost dedication and passion.

Truly, Macci is one of the essential minds in tennis history. Thus, his legacy will stay as long as the legacy of Venus and Serena Williams.

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