Will Smith won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his lead role in the American sports drama film ‘King Richard,’ depicting the true story of Venus and Serena Williams. Smith’s portrayal of the American tennis icon’s father, Richard Williams, has now prompted the childhood coach of the Williams sisters, Rick Macci, to issue a bold statement. In an exclusive episode of the ESFancast, Macci opened up about how the American actor was ‘better than Richard.’

The American biographical sports drama film perfectly portrays the story of Venus and Serena’s hard work, determination, and triumph in the face of adversity. Emphasizing the role of the lead actor in the film, the legendary American coach recently issued a big assertion about Smith.

Venus and Serena Williams’ childhood coach on how Will Smith was ‘better than Richard’

In an exclusive conversation with the ESFancast, the seven-time USPTA national coach was singing the praises of Will Smith for his role as Richard Williams. Rick Macci claimed that he knew the 55-year-old actor would win the Academy Award for his flawless performance in the movie, down to every fine detail, even his walk.

The American coach said, “But I think he captured the moment, but listen, the walk, the talk, the nuances, everything, and I knew right away that Will Smith was going to win an Oscar. He was better than Richard; he was better than Richard. I couldn’t believe the attention and detail, I told Will Smith at the afterparty, it was mind-boggling.”

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While calling it a mind-boggling performance, the tennis coach asserted that Smith was ‘better than Richard.’ Meanwhile, Macci also brought to light the crucial contribution of Venus and Serena’s elder sister, Isha Price, who was also part of the production crew of the film.

Rick Macci also lauded Serena’s elder sister for being a part of the executive producers

Isha Price is a film producer, and she was also a part of the crew of King Richard as one of its executive producers. Emphasizing the same, the legendary American coach lauded Isha Price for bringing to life the real stories of her tennis star sisters, Venus and Serena.

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Macci said, “Because Isha, the older daughter, she was there all the time. She had a little better grasp on it while Venus and Serena, you know they were still 9,12, 13, 14, they didn’t probably have as good a grasp. The way Isha brought this to life, it was mind-boggling and the whole movie was one hundred percent spot on.”

What do you think of the Williams sisters’ childhood coach singing the praise of Will Smith? Let us know in the comments section.

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