Published 02/03/2023, 7:00 AM EST
The tennis community has often lauded Venus and Serena Williams‘ father ‘King’ Richard for raising and coaching two of the greatest players the sport has seen. However, there is another coach’s endeavor that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated by fans, Rick Macci. It was Macci who took the Williams sisters to his academy when the legendary sister-duo were unknown in the tennis world.
While talking about their strict father in a recent podcast appearance, Macci, the 68-year-old former coach, believes that he “should be in the Hall of Fame” just because of “putting up” with him. Here’s what Macci said about his ‘best friend’.
Serena Williams’ former coach talks about his friendship with ‘King’ Richard
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The 68-year-old coach was recently featured in the podcast, Parenting Aces, in which he detailed various junior and senior players’ on-court endeavors. Meanwhile, Rick Macci was asked about his relationship with the Williams family, considering his crucial role in their illustrious tennis journey. Just like Richard Williams, he knew that Venus and Serena Williams were going to become legends of the sport before they even knew themselves.
DIVE DEEPER
‘I Believed in Venus and Serena’ – Former Coach Rick Macci Explains What Serena Williams’ Father Richard Williams Had Written in the Letter
Notably, Macci took a “big chance” to put a considerable amount of his resources and efforts into them as he took the sisters into his academy. It also showed how much he genuinely cared for Venus and Serena. Speaking of that, the American coach also revealed that he treated them like his own daughters while Richard and Macci became close friends. He added, “I tell people, I should be in the Hall of Fame, just for putting up with that guy.”
22 Jul 1992: Venus Williams receives instructions from her father Richard and coach Rick Macci in Florida. Mandatory Credit: Ken Levine /Allsport
Macci went on to say that they were “on a mission” as the entire tennis community was against them. Later, he also talked about his portrayal in the Oscar-winning film, ‘King Richard,’ which accurately detailed his relationship with the Williams family.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Macci recently received a heartfelt message from Richard
The 68-year-old struck up a great friendship with Serena’s father from their very first meeting. Since then, they might not have had constant contact with each other, but their friendship remains the same. Notably, the American coach recently received a surprise message from his old friend.
In that heartfelt text, Richard has showered praise on Macci by saying that he is a great coach and a teacher. He further expressed his gratitude for guiding and coaching his tennis star daughters. The legendary coach was quite emotional as he shared the screenshot of the same on his social media.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY – Will Smith Shows How King Richard Cast Trained Like Serena and Venus Williams
What do you think of the friendship between Macci and Richard? Let us know in the comments section.