‘Grilled Me for an Hour’ – Rick Macci Explains ‘King’ Richard’s Scrutiny Before Handing Over Venus and Serena Williams

Rick Macci is one of the finest coaches, and the fact is unknown to no one. Macci has given 30 years of his life to the game and is a vital part of many players’ careers. Moreover, he recently shared one of his memories during an interview of the ongoing Miami Open.

The movie King Richard came out in 2021, and since then has not left the charts. It also has 6 Oscar nominations in varied categories and has earned a lot of love from both tennis and non-tennis fans.

The movie revolves around the lives of Serena, Venus, and Richard Williams with a focus on the father. It speaks about their achievements, hardships, and how they have all been there for each other. However, it’s an obvious fact that Rick Macci would be a part of it, as he has been an integral part of their career. Macci has helped both Serena Williams and Venus Williams achieve no.1 ranking.

Rick Macci Shares a Memory

Speaking about the movie, he shared his memories that were showcased in the movie as well. He spoke about the first encounter he had with the trio in a hotel room of Compton. “I flew to Compton that night Richard, Serena, Venus come to the hotel. Richard pulled out a piece of paper I thought I was in a deposition this guy grilled me for like an hour because I think if he was gonna let someone in their circle he wanted a role model a father figure plus someone who’s been there done that.”

“We talked for couple of hours. Next day he goes I am picking you up at seven o’clock and we are going to east Compton hill country club. They pick me up, the bus comes, it was crazy. I am going what in, god’s name I doing in Compton California.” He added.

Read more: Who is Rick Macci? His Relation with Venus and Serena Williams’ Father, Net Worth, and More

Rick admitted that although he had a rough and confusing start, everything made sense for him as soon as he witnessed the potential of the girls.” It’s a great lesson for any parent, coach or even Rick Macci. You don’t judge a book by its cover. I never saw two little try so hard. There was like rage. There was something inside these two kids.”

Macci, the Star Maker

Macci is been a brilliant coach since the 90s and is still standing strong on that point. The man has given tennis five world no.1 rankers. Further, he is seven times USPTA National coach of the year and coached three legends of WTA, MariaSharapova, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams.

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He also shaped Jennifer Capriati from a very young age and gave a huge contribution to Andy Roddick’s career. Adding to that, he is inducted in the USPTA Hall of Fame and is the youngest to be inducted in the same.