‘What About Me?’ – Serena Williams Once Detailed the Famous ‘Michael Jordan’ Moment From Will Smith’s Movie King Richard

Do you recall when the tennis legend Venus Williams was likened to the legendary Michael Jordan? What was the reaction of the 23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams, to her sister being called the upcoming Michael Jordan of the tennis world? Serena talked about it, back in 2009, in her autobiography, ‘The Queen of the Court’.

Tennis fans will agree that the iconic Williams sisters have definitely created a name for themselves; not only in tennis but in the world of sports with respect to their incredible impact, both on and off the tennis court. However, when they first started, it was Venus who was regarded as the next big thing in tennis. It somewhat alienated her younger sister who went on to become arguably the greatest player in the Open Era.

Serena Williams’ feelings after Venus was called the next Michael Jordan

The 6-time US Open champion in her book, ‘Queen of the Court’ shared about how her father always put her atop tennis conversations even before she became famous. However, it was her first coach, Rick Macci, who compared the sister of the 23-time Grand Slam champion, Venus, with the legendary Michael Jordan. This was also portrayed in the Will Smith movie, ‘King Richard.’ This comparison, in particular, left Serena thinking about her worth on and off the tennis court.

She wrote, “It’s just that people didn’t always listen, because Venus was the undefeated junior player and the toast of Southern California. She was the one they wrote all those articles about. And she was the one all these famous coaches wanted to train at their academies. I remember thinking, When is it going to be my turn? What about me?”

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This all started when, for the first time, Richard requested the renowned tennis coach, Rick Macci, to come to Compton to watch his daughters play tennis. However, what were the first thoughts of the 68-year-old tennis coach on meeting the Williams sister duo?

Rick Macci’s take on finding the next Michael Jordan

The American tennis coach had his first session with the young sister duo at Compton at the request of Richard Williams. There, he got to hit some balls with the young Williams sisters. And just at that moment that the eldest Williams’ sister’s dedication and determination made him call her the next female Jordan of tennis. The 42-year-old at that time was 5’10 and was more in tune with the sport than her younger sister.

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Notably, the proud father who taught the basics of tennis to his daughters knew the worth of those tennis legends from the very beginning of their careers.