"That was to smile, GOAT Father": Rick Macci gives one piece of advice Richard Williams gave to Serena and Venus Williams every day
Tennis NewsSaturday, 09 December 2023 at 22:00
Rick Macci,
the former coach of the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, recalled
the advice that Richard Williams, the father of the multiple Grand Slam
champions, offered to his daughters during their tennis upbringing. Macci
worked with Serena and Venus Williams during their childhood and adolescence in
Compton, USA.
In the
1990s, Macci was focused on coaching the former world No. 1, Jennifer Capriati.
However, with the emergence of the Williams sisters' project, he decided to
shift his attention primarily to working with them and formed a bond with the
Williams family.
Initially,
Richard Williams coached his children, and upon their arrival at the Rick Macci
Tennis Academy, he collaborated closely with Macci. The latter mentioned that
he heard data and advice that Richard provided to his daughters and recently
recalled one of the most important ones on his social media.
"The
Number One Gold Nugget Richard Williams would say Every Single Day to
@serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams and why I love The King Compton Crusader and
that was to Smile. GOAT FATHER," Rick Macci wrote on his X (formerly
Twitter) account.
Macci has
filled with praise for tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams and played a
key role as they grew up in his academy in Boca Raton, Florida. Rick Macci
recently reunited with 81-year-old Richard Williams on a tennis court,
capturing the moment on social media:
"King
Richard and Rick teamed up and it was a mystery, the dynamic duo changed
history!!!" he tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) in late November.
Macci began
coaching Venus and Serena when they were 10 and 9 years old, respectively, in
West Palm Beach, Florida. The sisters trained with him between 1991 and 1995.
The coach also worked with other Grand Slam champions and former world No. 1
players, including Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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