Serena Williams and her sister, Venus Williams, have built an unmatched legacy in women’s tennis. Venus is currently on hiatus due to a knee injury that has sidelined her for the rest of the 2023 season and the majority of 2024. On the other hand, Serena retired in September 2022, leaving behind an impressive record of 23 Grand Slam titles and 73 singles championships. Their journey to greatness was not easy, but they proved their status as legends through sheer determination and talent. And their father King Richard had a big role to play in that.

Recently, Macci, their childhood coach, shared a glimpse into their early dedication. He tweeted, “A work ethic UNSURPASSED. Both girls would drain a full PUBLIX shopping cart of balls and hit serves every night. Every night! A special inner kid goat quality baking in the Compton Oven… By the way this was AFTER practice.” This commitment to training stemmed from their father, Richard Williams, whose unconventional coaching methods and unwavering support laid the foundation for their success.

Serena had one of the strongest serves of her time. She averaged an impressive 106 mph and peaked at 128.6 mph in 2013. Spectators often described her serve as almost “perfect,” fluid yet powerful. Venus, on the other hand, had a slightly faster serve, reaching 129 mph, making her the second fastest in women’s tennis history.

Most athletes might relax after practice, but not the Williams sisters. They pushed themselves further, honing their skills long after the official sessions ended. Their dedication was evident in their remarkable careers. The stories of their early days reveal the grit and passion that fueled their rise to the top of the tennis world.

Macci shares an interesting anecdote about their father’s coaching style

Richard Williams was a strict coach who prioritized discipline above all. He instilled a rigorous routine in his daughters, Serena Williams and Venus Williams, ensuring they took their tennis training seriously. On Saturday, Macci shared a valuable lesson their father taught them: “Richard 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.” 

Despite his tough coaching style, King Richard has always been a protective father. Earlier this year, he attended one of Venus’s training sessions, which she proudly shared on Instagram. “Dad is still going strong. He doesn’t always come to practices (I can’t always get him to come!), but when he does, it’s epic,” she wrote. His presence continues to inspire both daughters as they navigate their careers.

The Williams family overcame humble beginnings in Compton, utilizing public courts to train despite limited resources. Richard’s vision and resilience kept them focused on their dreams. In an interview with People Magazine, Serena once remarked, “My dad was and still is way before his time. You see, when someone is different—when they don’t act or look how a person assumed they would—the first reaction is often fear. They think, How do we break them? My dad anticipated that, but he would not allow himself or his family to be broken.”

Now as Serena navigates life off the court and Venus prepares for her eventual comeback, the sisters continue to exemplify resilience and determination through their stories. Together, they have transformed adversity into triumph, crafting one of the most inspirational narratives in sports history. Their journey exemplifies how dedication and family support can lead to extraordinary achievements.