Venus and Serena Williams, the two underdogs that no one expected to become the best tennis players in the world, shook the realm of tennis. This was only possible because of their early elaborative training. Firstly, it was under their father, Richard Williams, and then their coach, Rick Macci. The two adults formed a great friendship over time and Macci reminisces about a joke that the father Williams had cracked initially.
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They both shaped two of the best tennis players in the world who have changed the course of women’s tennis.
Richard Williams had assured Rick Macci’s safety on his invitation to Compton
Rick Macci had established himself as a renowned coach. He did not go to see his players. Either they came to the academy or he used to spot them on some tour. However, Macci went to see the two Williams sisters at the invitation of their father Richard Williams. Macci reminisces the call he had gotten in 1991 which changed everything. He said, “I get this phone call one day from Richard Williams and he said, “I am honored to talk to you. I got two daughters, Venus and Serena and we want you to come to Compton.”
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22 Jul 1992: Venus Williams receives instructions from her father Richard and coach Rick Macci in Florida. Mandatory Credit: Ken Levine /Allsport
The coach had just heard about the negative side of the place. He said, “I didn’t know anything about Compton at the time, this was 1991. I just heard like riots and stuff like that and he was the funniest guy ever, he goes, ‘Hey Rick, I promise I won’t get you shot.'”
The coach could not leave his curiosity unchecked and went on to see the two daughters of Richard Williams and the rest is history.
Role of Rick Macci in shaping the glorious careers of Venus and Serena Williams
Rick Macci was the first professional coach of the two sisters. Before that, they were under the aegis of their father, Richard Williams. The two adults became great friends and still share a friendly relationship. They both joined hands and guided the two young players to success.
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Now, Venus Williams is a seven-time grand slam champion and Serena Williams is a 23-time grand slams under her belt. Both the players have won 14 grand slam titles together in the doubles category. They have given a new outlook to tennis with their love and passion for the sport.
Written by
Edited by
Vibhanshu Kumar