"I knew they could transcend the sport" - Legendary coach Rick Macci speaks on the Williams sisters

Renowned coach Rick Macci admitted he was not very impressed by the duo of Venus Williams and Serena Williams when he first met them, but he was soon won over after he got a chance to train them.

Macci was one of the first coaches to work with the Williams sisters, and he recalls being blown away by their ability and dedication as their training progressed.

"I wasn't impressed at first. But then when they started competing, it was brutal," Macci said during an interview with YouTube channel Tweener Head. "I've seen a lot, I never saw two little girls run so hard and almost fall over to get a ball. Quick, strong, fast. And they would go for the jugular."

Witnessing them become legends in the sport, Macci revealed that he expected as much based on their work ethic and potential.

"I knew they could transcend the sport. I just knew what I could do and I saw their potential," Macci said. "They not only checked every box, they checked a few more."

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Furthermore, the American coach had high praise for their father, Richard Williams, whom Macci claimed was a great support system for the girls and was determined to make them champions at the sport.

"I knew I had a father I could work with. Richard was the nicest guy even though he comes across as stubborn," added Macci "On the inside, he was a world class father. That's why I respect the guy so much."

"He would go home after dinner, put up the tripod, and do interviews with the girls to prepare them for the future. But look how they speak. Look how they look you in the eye. They're very educated."