‘Be a Tiger on Court’- Coach Rick Macci Uses Serena Williams’ Blistering Confidence as Motivation for a Young Tennis Prodigy

Serena Williams isn’t just a significant entity in tennis. She is an athlete who represents women in the entire sports world and shoulders the weight of proving the worth and capabilities of the gender. She is a true role model. In fact, Williams’ name is often used interchangeably with words such as the greatest of all time.

The 23-time Grand slam champion has dealt with her share of atrocities. However, instead of blaming the situation, she fought the odds bravely, just like a tiger. Therefore, for the young aspiring tennis players, she is the tiger.

Macci explains Williams standing in the eyes coming generation

Williams has claimed such heights that the world-renowned coach Rick Macci, who has shaped five World No.1s, is proud of her. Speaking of which, he recently shared an incident showcasing the hold Williams has on the coming generation. Macci wrote, “Told the number 1 junior girl in the U.S. you have to be a tiger on court. She said I prefer Serena. I said we are both right.”

Macci, impressed by the skills of the two teenagers, had traveled to Compton just so that he can shape the girls into the next big thing in tennis. He worked alongside Serena and Venus‘ father, Richard Williams, and in accordance with his unique ways of training, shaped the sisters into world-class players. In the end, they both succeeded in giving tennis its two legendary aces.

Read more: ‘You Told People That You’re Coaching Me’ – Serena Williams Once Blasted Ex-Coach Patrick Mouratoglou for Ruining Her Chance to Script History at US Open

Speaking of Serena‘s achievements, she debuted in 1995 and just in four years, marked her name on the US Open trophy. Thereafter, she went on to hold the ranking of World no.1 for a record period of 319 weeks. Williams claimed a total of 73 singles and 23 doubles titles. Further, she brought her nation four Olympic gold medals as well.

Serena Williams’ last dance

The seven times Wimbledon champion after making a comeback in the greens of London this season decided to hang her racket. She enrolled for the home-based Grand Slam to mark the end of her career.

However, in order to oil her skills so that she could give her 25 years of run a Pete Sampras ending, Williams signed up for the Canadian and Cincinnati Masters. Though due to the lost grip, she failed to get past her initial round opponents in the WTA 1000 events.

Watch this story: Alexis Ohanian affirms how Serena Williams’ retirement is definitely the start of something massive

However, when it came to the US Open, the six-time champion managed to keep her record intact. She made up to the third round of the majors and, with teary eyes, said goodbye to the sport.