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via Imago

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Patrick McEnroe is actively a part of Tennis, though not on the court. On his podcast, ‘Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe,’ he comes up with innovative ways to talk about the game and its players. From throwbacks to random discussions and present happenings, McEnroe seizes every opportunity to reach out to listeners.

In his recent episode, the 56-year-old invited the former coach of Serena Williams‘, Rick Macci. They spoke about the players Macci coached, how he first landed a coaching job and made some predictions about the young players. However, what caught our attention was the Tennis coach revealed whom he loves to coach the most.

Aspirations were never on the list of Rick Macci

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John McEnroe’s brother posed a complicated question to the coach, which could have been controversial if not for the witty and sincere response. McEnroe asked, “You obviously love the sport, you love the game. Who is like the first player that you coached that you saw, that you said, ‘Okay, this player could be the talk.’ “

The Tennis coach replied, without even thinking, “Well, it’s interesting because I didn’t really have any aspirations, whether it be with juniors or whatever.” He then revealed, “I just love to help anybody, anytime, anywhere. And who’s ever on the other side of the net? That hour that minute, that second, Patrick, that’s always been my favorite student.

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This response of Rick Macci proved his unconditional love for his game and also indicates that he does not favor anyone but the sport itself. He finally added, “It’s not Venus, or Serena or Roddick or anybody like that. I’ve always kind of felt that way.”

Patrick McEnroe made the coach reveal everything

Besides revealing his love for the game and whom he favors the most on the court, Macci offered advice to the young players on how to stay fit and balance their physical and mental health. In the later part of the podcast, McEnroe asked if Macci observes a difference between the present and past generations of players.

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The legendary coach experienced the differences vividly as players differ from generation to generation. He revealed that in everything from getting a grip on the racquet to playing various shots with it, young players do it differently. Serena Williams’ childhood coach admitted that it gets difficult for him to change the way youngsters play. The Hall of Fame coach commented that “They hear, but they don’t really listen. They want help, but they don’t want to change.”

 

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The American coach received the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Coach of the Year award winner for seven times. He coached both ATP and WTA professionals. Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Jennifer Capriati are the WTA former number ones he coached. The former ATP first seed, Andy Roddick, was also his student. The 68-year-old thus holds the record of coaching five number-one players in the world.

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