‘Tough Stuff’: Coach Rick Macci Reveals Demi Singleton Brought Tears in His Eyes With Her Serena Williams Performance

American tennis player Serena Williams has been all over the news since the release of King Richard. The movie is based on the lives of the Williams family. The 23-time Major winner has a prominent role in the movie along with the emphasis on her father, Richard Williams. 

Recently, Serena Williams’ former coach during her young days, Rick Macci spoke on the movie, especially Serena’s character. He praised the young actor Demi Singleton who is playing Serena’s character. Singleton is best known for her work in the Godfather of Harlem. 

Highlighting the special aspects of the actor, Rick stated, “What blew me away with Demi’s performance was the look and the facial expressions at a young age. You know, Serena was very different than Venus. Serena was always like you know a little prankster, a little tougher you know, a little rougher, and some of those looks that Demi gave during the movie have brought a tear to my eye.”

Serena Williams’ character was portrayed brilliantly 

Macci spoke about the differences between Serena and Venus, the younger was more mischievous as a child. He was deeply impressed with Demi for portraying Serena in the best way possible, which brought a tear to the coach’s eye. The manner in which she spoke and carried about herself brought glimpses of Williams. Another notable factor was the way she was striking the ball, which left Rick mesmerized. 

The coach added, “Even how she talked and walked and interacted with the other sisters besides little Venus, it blew me away, I mean everybody in the movie was amazing but Demi Singleton was just like Serena, and the look and way she hit the ball… They had to mimic the strokes. She hit the ball just like Serena, this is tough stuff… Demi knocked it out of the park. It was inspirational and brought a tear to my eye.”

The film has received overwhelming praise from all quarters and it seems like Macci, who’s played by Jon Bernthal is another huge fan. 

Coming to tennis, Williams has not played since the Wimbledon Championships. During her opening round match, she injured herself, which led to her withdrawing in the initial set of the tie. Sadly, she skipped the US Open due to a hamstring injury. We hope to see her compete again at the highest level in the upcoming season. 

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