‘Really Like My Daughter’ – With Retirement Looming, 42-Year-Old Venus Williams Receives a Warm Message From Childhood Coach

When will the American tennis legend Venus Williams walk away from the sport? This is one of the most often-asked questions that awaits the 7-time Grand Slam champion in almost every interview. Although Venus herself has remained adamant about continuing her journey on the WTA Tour, Rick Macci, the renowned tennis sisters’ childhood coach, has decided to answer this burning question. The Hall of Famer coach talked about a probable end to the career of Venus while highlighting what it would mean to her after devoting her entire life to the sport.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams, retired from the sport last year after the US Open. And since then, there have been speculations and concerns about the elder sister’s future on the WTA Tour.

Rick Macci sends a heartwarming message to Venus Williams

In an exclusive interview with Tennis-Infinity, the American tennis coach discussed the possibility of the 42-year-old tennis player’s career ending at this year’s US Open. And in that same conversation, he also highlighted that the former world number one won’t be quitting so quietly, as her connection with tennis was much deeper than that of her younger sister.

He said, “I think it’s difficult for Venus Williams. When I had Venus and Serena, it was more about Venus. Because she was older as you saw in the King Richard movie. Venus was really, really like my daughter and we had an amazing bond.” 

Macci further stated, “In my opinion, and I don’t have any insight, I think she’ll retire at the US Open. I think that she’ll play doubles with Serena. And I think they’re going to exit the stage left at the US Open.”

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Additionally, the 68-year-old tennis coach also talked about how he believes that it is getting difficult for the seven-time Grand Slam champion to keep playing singles because of her injuries. However, a lot of tennis players are questioning the former world number one’s longevity on the tennis court amid young talent rising on the WTA Tour. A few days ago, Evie Dominikovic questioned the seven-time Grand Slam champion taking up wildcard entries in events. 

When Evie Dominikovic questioned Williams’ longevity on the tennis court

The former Australian tennis player recently appeared in the podcast ‘The Match of My Career’, where she discussed how the younger generation of athletes who are just starting out in the sport are concerned about Venus’ longevity on the WTA tour. In addition, she made the observation that it is unfortunate that the seven-time Grand Slam champion is receiving wild card opportunities while the other up-and-coming tennis players are still battling for a spot on the tennis circuit.

However, King Richard believes that the 42-year-old tennis player should not retire just yet. There are many lingering doubts over the tennis star’s return to the court or whether she intends to end her tennis career this year.

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