Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Singles Out the ‘Only Real Difference’ Between the Legendary Sisters

Published 10/21/2023, 1:38 AM EDT

Serena Williams & Venus Williams is just like a chip off the old block. Richard Williams’ role has been quite vital in laying out the foundation stone of their careers. Struggles have been plenty for the 81-year-old gentleman, but he didn’t give up on his daughters’ dream. Rest is history. But little did the tennis world know about the contribution of a coach in earlier stages of their careers. Who is he?

His name is Rick Macci, a 68-year-old who has an enormous contribution to the tennis world. He has trained five world #1 in tennis, namely Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, Venus Williams & Serena Williams over the course of his career. His role in molding the raw talent in the early days of the Williams sisters was key. He has watched them closely and here’s what he says about the ‘only real difference‘ between the two.

Venus and Serena Williams’ childhood coach tells us how to differentiate between the two

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Almost 32 years ago, Richard Williams invited Macci to a visit at Compton, California. He had asked him to have a look at his daughters. He came, he saw, and they conquered altogether. The 7-times USPTA Coach of The Year had labeled Venus Williams as the next Michael Jordan, but little did he know that there was another. Both Serena and Venus had achieved a lot in their career thereafter, Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam titles whereas Venus has won 7. But do not ever go by numbers as both of them are equally successful on and off the field. An inspiration to all the aspiring tennis players. Here’s what Rick Macci tweeted on the one and only difference between the two sisters.

‘The only Real difference between Serena & Venus Williams, is they have a different First name. Amazing two Compton Peas in a Pod and sisters like no other. Both champions on the court BUT even better human beings off the court. Love VEE AND MEEK!‘ Rick Macci.

The only Real difference between @serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams is they have a different First name. Amazing two Compton Peas in a Pod and sisters like no other. Both champions on the court BUT even better human beings off the court. Love VEE AND MEEK!
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) October 20, 2023

Both Serena and Venus Williams had practiced under Rick Macci till 1995 when Richard Williams decided not to send her daughters to the academy. King Richard took over the coaching duties of his daughters from then onwards. The journey was always filled with obstacles for the Williams sisters, but they didn’t give up.

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Williams through thick and thin

When mountaineers reach the summit, people often tend to see the achievement and ignore the efforts put in to reach there. Similarly, without King Richards and Rick Macci, the fans would’ve been deprived of this spectacular show on the court by the two sisters. The talent was always there, but all it needs is a little nurturing. With their support, the sisters showed extreme determination, commitment, and work ethic to the sport to become a force to reckon with. Now one has taken retirement, and the other is gearing up to make a comeback.

Can Venus Williams make a comeback? Well, she’s in fact known for comebacks. Can she regain her glorious days? Experts say you should never challenge a person with a ‘champion’ mentality. She has nothing to prove now. Both of them are now in fact successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists. What can you ask more from the legends of the game? Any thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Sayantan Roy is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following tennis for almost 17 years. His sheer love and enthusiasm for the racket sport has been a major influence in him wanting to build a career in sports journalism.

Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz

Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Singles Out the ‘Only Real Difference’ Between the Legendary Sisters

Venus and Serena Williams’ childhood coach tells us how to differentiate between the two

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Williams through thick and thin