Several tennis players would like to emulate the success of WTA legend Serena Williams, and the American's ex-coach revealed a strategy used by Williams' father which helped propel her to stardom.
Rick Macci, who coached Serena and sister Venus during their early years, took over coaching duties from their father Richard Williams as soon as the girls' talent became undeniable. The Williams sisters would go on to become trailblazers in the sport, shattering race barriers and etching their names in tennis history as two of the greatest players to have ever played the game.
Serena and Venus Williams became accustomed to playing in marquee matchups, competing under the bright lights at night sessions in front of several thousands of people. However, Macci revealed the duo had been prepared for those moments early in their careers, as their father Richard used a unique training method to mentally prepare his daughters for big occasions.
"Serena would practice at 5 am some mornings in the pitch dark with his the car lights shining behind her and dad with a flashlight blinking on and off in her eyes. The Compton Comedian would always say hey MEEK get used to the bright lights! Love this guy," wrote Macci on Twitter.
Serena would practice at 5 am some mornings in the pitch dark with his the car lights shining behind her and dad with a flashlight blinking on and off in her eyes. The Compton Comedian would always say hey MEEK get used to the bright lights! Love this guy. @serenawilliams
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) December 11, 2024