King Richard: What Happened to Former World No.1 Jennifer Capriati Who Inspired Venus Williams to Play Juniors

The newly-released movie ‘King Richard’ has been adored by fans and critics. Depicting the story of the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, ‘King Richard’ has already entered talks of being an Oscar contender.

The movie shows how Richard Williams, their father, shaped Venus and Serena’s tennis careers through his training and mentorship. However, at the front and center of the movie is Richard as a father. His concerns are more about his daughters leading good lives and growing up with strong moral values.

Venus Williams was inspired by another young athlete

One of Richard’s main concerns was regarding the future of his daughters as young athletes. There was a traditional path set in place for all young athletes who wished to play professionally. Richard was wary of this path, worrying about how it would take away his daughters’ childhoods.

Instead, he chose to keep his daughters off the established path, not letting Venus Williams turn pro at the age of 14. He took this decision after seeing another prodigy of the time, Jennifer Capriati. Capriati was one of the biggest talents in junior tennis at the time. Subsequently, she turned pro at the age of fourteen.

However, despite being one of the most popular and promising players on the junior circuit, it all went wrong very quickly for Capriati. The youngest player to ever reach the top 10, Capriati won at the Olympics in Barcelona at just 16. Her skill and prowess at the game had inspired Venus Williams to follow in her steps. Furthermore, both girls had the same coach, Rick Macci.

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Like Capriati, Venus Williams, too, wanted to turn pro and play professionally in the big leagues. However, it was her father who ensured that she wouldn’t do that. Capriati got caught in scandals and controversies just three years after turning pro.

Richard was one of many who believed that it was due to the sudden fame that came to Jennifer. Becoming one of the best players in the world at such a young age came with pressure, under which Jennifer crumbled.

Where is Jennifer Capriati now?

After winning three Grand Slam titles, Jennifer Capriati announced her retirement in 2004. Furthermore, she was made a part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012.

Today, the International Tennis Hall of Fame member, Jennifer lives a quiet life in Florida.

Venus, on the other hand, is still going strong in the WTA Tour and made her last appearance in August at the Chicago Women’s Open. Do you think she will compete at the upcoming Australian Open 2022?

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