"Grilling me like I was in a deposition" - Serena Williams' childhood coach sheds light on first meeting with father Richard

Venus and Serena Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci fondly recalled how their father Richard Wiliams had 'grilled' him before allowing Macci to enter the Williams family circle. He said that Richard was a man with a plan and knew exactly the qualities he wanted in the person who would be shaping the futures of his daughters.

When a 10-year-old Venus and nine-year-old Serena moved from Compton, California to West Palm Beach, Florida, it was Rick Macci who took the two diamonds in the rough under his tutelage and served as a monumental figure in making the sisters two of the greatest athletes ever.

The 70-year-old coach often shares his various escapades with the Williams family on X (formerly Twitter). On December 25, Macci recalled how Richard 'grilled' him the first time they met to check whether the American coach was the perfect choice for Venus and Serena Williams.

"First night Richard started Grilling me like I was in a deposition. Questions that only law enforcement might know. MAN had a PLAN and to be part of his circle he wanted a role model father figure and tennis proven who has been there done that. @Venuseswilliams @serenawilliams."

Time and time again, Rick Macci proved his coaching prowess coaching many players to the upper echelons of the tennis world. The American coached a total of five World No. 1s including the Williams sisters, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, and Jennifer Capriati. In 2017, Macci became the youngest person to be inducted into the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) Hall of Fame.

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"Richard Williams is the funniest and most honest guy I ever met" - Venus and Serena Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci

Richard Williams at Wimbledon - Source: Getty

Venus and Serena Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci reminisced about Richard Williams' sense of humor. While explaining to Macci what everyone in the Williams family would bring to the table, Richard hilariously chose 'throwing tantrums' as his characteristic.

"Richard Williams is the funniest and most honest guy I ever met. He said from day one. Venus throws her entire body at the ball. Serena throws her beads at the balls. The wife throws a good meal every night. Every day I just throw a tantrum! @Venuseswilliams @serenawilliams."

Though he had his funny side, Richard Williams also had a well-known tough side. Macci explained how Richard ingrained discipline inside Venus and Serena Williams from a very young age.

Both Venus and Serena Williams went on to enjoy illustrious careers with the former winning seven Majors and the latter winning 23.