As kids, Serena and Venus were already machines,” Rick Macci’s confessions about the Williams sisters’ early days

Renowned tennis coach Rick Macci has opened up once again about his time training Serena and Venus Williams, offering fascinating insights into the early days of two of the greatest athletes the sport has ever seen. Macci, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Williams sisters’ careers, described their childhood work ethic as nothing short of “machine-like.”

In a candid interview, Macci reminisced about the first time he saw the young Williams sisters on the court. “When I started working with them, they were just kids, but you wouldn’t believe the intensity and focus they had. Serena and Venus were already machines, mentally and physically,” Macci said.

Macci emphasized that their drive wasn’t just natural talent—it was their relentless dedication that set them apart, even at such a young age. “Most kids would practice for an hour and start to lose focus. These girls? They could go for hours with the same energy and concentration. Their father, Richard Williams, instilled that mindset in them early on.”

While many coaches have trained talented juniors, Macci admitted there was something unique about Serena and Venus. “I’ve coached hundreds of top juniors, but these two had an extra gear. Their footwork, competitive fire, and hunger to learn were at a level I’d never seen in kids that age,” he revealed.

The Williams sisters’ early days were marked by intense practice sessions in Florida, where Macci’s academy became their training ground. He recalled how Serena’s raw power and Venus’ agility complemented each other, predicting even then that they would revolutionize women’s tennis.

Beyond their physical attributes, Macci highlighted the sisters’ mental toughness. “Serena had this inner fire, while Venus had the calm confidence of a champion. They balanced each other perfectly. You could see the future of tennis right there on that court.”

Rick Macci’s confessions serve as a testament to the hard work and determination that fueled the Williams sisters’ journey from promising youngsters to global superstars. Their early “machine-like” mentality laid the foundation for their iconic careers, inspiring countless athletes across generations.

As legends of the sport, Serena and Venus Williams continue to be shining examples of how discipline, family support, and relentless work ethic can shape greatness from a very young age.