Serena Williams’s former coach, Rick Macci, recently revealed that as a young player, she frequently called shots out before the ball even bounced—despite his repeated instructions not to do so. The 70-year-old played a pivotal role in Williams’s early development and training as a young player.
Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with 23 Grand Slam titles—the most by any woman in the Open Era. Early on, Serena and her sister Venus were coached by their father, Richard Williams, who later contacted his close friend Macci in Compton, who was quick to recognize the sisters’ potential. After moving to Florida’s West Palm Beach in 1991, the sisters started training with the 70-year-old.
Rick Macci Recalls How Serena Williams Followed Her Instincts Over His Instructions
Macci often shares his insights on the current tennis landscape and frequently recalls memorable anecdotes, including many involving the Williams sisters. On Monday, the 70-year-old recalled how the former World No.1 often called the ball out before it could land, especially against hard hitters.
Despite repeated instructions from her coach, Williams insisted on trusting her instincts.
“Serena loved to call the ball Out before it bounced when playing the hitters. I told her many times do not call the ball Out till it hits the ground. The competitive Compton Comet always said if I know it is going Out why does it matter. I would say but what if it lands in. Her response MY CALL. OUT. Whoa. @serenawilliams,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Serena loved to call the ball Out before it bounced when playing the hitters. I told her many times do not call the ball Out till it hits the ground. The competitive Compton Comet always said if I know it is going Out why does it matter. I would say but what if it lands in. Her…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci)
Williams began her professional journey in 1995 and reached numerous milestones throughout her career. Apart from winning her 23 Major titles, the 43-year-old won four Olympic gold medals, remained at the top of the WTA rankings for 319 weeks, and won an overall 73 WTA singles titles.
The American is also the only player to complete a Golden Slam in both singles and doubles across both genders.
“Serena Williams Always Did Exactly What Venus Williams Did”: Rick Macci on the Sisters
Earlier this May, Macci shared how Serena would closely follow her elder sister Venus just like a ‘shadow.’ He noted that their strong bond ultimately helped them rise to the top of the sport.
“Serena always did exactly what Venus did. Serena was her shadow. They were skipping holding hands, playing games, and dancing. Always singing and laughing together. They were ONE and both became number ONE. @serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams,” he wrote on X.
Venus Williams also embarked on an illustrious journey, just as her younger sister. The 44-year-old has won 7 Major titles, 49 WTA singles titles, and four Olympic gold medals. While Serena retired after her third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open, Venus hasn’t officially retired, though she remains inactive.