"Richard never carried the girls' bag" - Serena Williams & Venus Williams' childhood coach reveals how their dad made them tough

Rick Macci, the childhood coach of Venus and Serena Williams, recently reflected on the life lessons their father and coach, Richard Williams, instilled in them to build their tough mentality. Macci, a USPTA Hall of Fame coach, worked with the sisters in 1991 after their family relocated from Compton, California, to West Palm Beach, Florida.

Richard began coaching the Williams sisters when they were just four and a half years old. He would take them to public tennis courts for their practice sessions. In addition to the hands-on training, he also created an extensive 85-page plan guide to help guide their development. By 1995, Richard took full control of their coaching, deciding to stop sending them to the Rick Macci International Tennis Academy.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, December 24, Macci praised Richard Williams for instilling a mentality like no other. He highlighted how Richard always made his daughters do their own chores, which made them self-sufficient.

“Richard never carried the girls bag. Never carried the girls water. Never carried the girls dog. He was all about owning it not renting it. Your bag water and dog. His life lessons instilled a rough tough mentality the world has never seen. @Venuseswilliams @serenawilliams”

Serena Williams & Venus Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci reveals how father Richard taught them valuable life lessons

Serena Williams (L) & Venus Williams | Image Source: Getty

Rick Macci shared how Venus and Serena Williams’ father, Richard, played a pivotal role in shaping the "little Williams" with important life lessons. In 1995, Richard took full responsibility for their coaching and continued to guide them, even as they worked with other coaches along the way.

On December 21, Macci took to X to praise Richard, referring to him as "the Compton Crusader" for instilling the value of punctuality in the Williams sisters. He highlighted their discipline and how they were rarely ever late.

“Richard was was always Early to practice. Always. We said if you are Late you will never be Great. Both VEE and Meek on court not only prepared Early but very seldom hit Late. Life lessons by the Compton Crusader. @Venuseswilliams @serenawilliams”

In a post from December 23, the American shared a funny anecdote from Richard, revealing some humorous insights about his family.

He wrote:

“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”