Home

Tennis

‘Scariest Little Creature’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Bestows Really Unique Title to Young American Tennis Star

Published 02/15/2023, 7:15 AM EST

Follow Us

The American tennis star, Sofia Kenin, is back on the boards since her first Grand Slam victory in the Australian Open 2020. And seeing her amazing come back into the top 20, Venus and Serena Williams’ former coach, Rich Macci, has bestowed her with a unique title. 

The 24-year-old tennis star spent her formative years mastering her tennis skills under the tutelage of the 68-year-old American tennis coach who has given the tennis world the greatest sportsperson of all time.

Rick Macci gave a unique title to Sofia Kenin 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The former tennis player recently appeared on the functional tennis podcast where he detailed his experience training the Williams sisters, while also talking about the other tennis players who have grown under his shadow. Macci also mentioned the one-time Grand Slam champion, Sofia Kenin, and gave her a quite unique name. He addressed the 2020 Australian Open champion as the ‘Scariest little creature.’

via Reuters

Additionally, he also talked about why he chose to give such a striking name to the rising star. He said, “I love Sofia she was different than everybody I had because she came to me at 5 and mostly others came to me at 9,10, 11, 12, 13. Mary Pierce at 16. And Myskina at 17. At a little different timeline. I got this amazing video, of me coaching her at 5, 6, and 7 years old I took her to the USPTA convention. She was taking every ball right after the bounce, people thought she was the wizard… What is this all about? But she was amazing. I never had someone that young who had that timing.” 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, last year the 24-year-old tennis star faced a downfall in her career. At that time, the legendary tennis coach talked about what might be the reason behind this drain. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

When Macci addressed Kenin’s downfall last year 

According to the 68-year-old tennis coach, she became preoccupied with other interests after winning her first Grand Slam, such as her boyfriend or her father not being involved in her game. And as a result, she somehow injured herself.

WATCH THIS STORY – Serena Williams’ husband on fatherhood as he dozes off in the middle of an NBA game

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But the former tennis player always held that after she had solved all of her issues. She’ll return to the court with more grit and dedication to her performances. And will soon have even more success with it.

What are your thoughts on Sofia’s comeback? Let us know in the comments down below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Pratishtha Prakash

2,378Articles

One take at a time

Pratishtha Prakash is a Tennis writer at EssentiallySports. She has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and Journalism from MIT ADT University, Pune. In the past, she has interned at the sports desk of The Hitavada, a regional English daily newspaper.
Show More>

Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui