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Private Message Reveals Daunting Reality of Venus and Serena Williams’ Father’s Failing Health as the Legendary Coach Looks to Recover Post Multiple Strokes

Published 06/20/2023, 6:27 AM EDT

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Father’s Day passed, and all tennis fathers received due praise. Among the hundreds of great dads was Richard Williams, father of Venus Williams and Serena Williams. Helped by Rick Macci when the two sisters were young, Richard was able to take his daughters to new levels in tennis. To show his gratefulness for the help he received from the coach, Richard sent Macci several messages. Macci shared one of those messages recently, which also shed some light on the health of King Richard.

For the past few months, Richard’s health has been a central focus of any news about him. The Louisiana native has had a difficult bout with health issues in the last few years. His stepson, Chavoita LeSane gave an update on his health a while ago.

Text from Richard Williams highlights the impact of health issues 

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If there were ever a list of great fathers in tennis history, Richard would take one of the top spots. Although the man from Louisiana has been present for much of his daughters’ careers, the past few years have not been kind to him. Along with a messy split with Lakeisha Graham, Richard has suffered through three strokes over a few years.

Macci shared a tweet where he called Richard’s message, “Father’s Day text from King Richard ❤️👑.” He shared a picture of himself with King Richard along with the text he received.  Thanks Macci, magnificent, amazing the wonderful things you’re doing for Venus and Serena. Thank you,” wrote Richard for Macci, seemingly thinking of the past days when Venus and Serena were under Macci’s tutelage. He wrote the message for Father’s Day as he also thought of Macci as Venus and Serena’s father. 

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He first experienced a stroke in 2016. Since then, he has also had two more strokes. His health has deteriorated ever since, and King Richard had to undergo brain surgery recently. While Richard recovered, some effects can still be seen. His mind has seemingly fallen into the past, as one could postulate from the message he sent to Rick Macci, the childhood coach of Serena Williams. 

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Son gives an update on Richard Williams’ health

As Richard recovered from his third stroke in January, the world was greatly worried about his health. LeSane stated that he has recovered greatly. His only issue at the moment seems to be trouble communicating with others. Sometimes when he aims to say yes, he ends up saying no. He added that there were some lingering effects from the stroke. 

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LeSane has also been involved in Richard’s divorce battle with Lakeisha Graham. As he continues to be with his father during his recovery, his admiration also increases as time goes on.

Watch this story –“A Real No-Nonsense Lady”: Serena Williams Once Said That Her Mom Was Very Different From Her Father Richard Williams

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Written by:

Ripunjay Gaba

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Ripunjay is a Tennis writer with an unwavering passion for the sport and a deep admiration for Roger Federer. He specializes in providing in-depth coverage of everything related to the 'Swiss Maestro.' Ripunjay's love for tennis is evident in the quality of his writing, which is characterized by its clarity, depth, and insightful analysis.
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Edited by:

Bhavani Singh