“Richard Willpower Williams pushed his kids hard every Day. He challenged them every Day. He yelled at them every Day.”, said Venus and Serena Williams’ childhood coach earlier this month, recalling the time seeing Richard training them. Per Rick Macci, Richard has been a crucial figure in both the WTA icons’ illustrious journeys. Their rise to fame is due to their father’s strict ways he implemented from an early age. Macci has reiterated this sentiment once again, highlighting the importance of challenges in one’s growth. Seems like the Williams sisters had all their learnings the hard way. Richard’s harsh mentality never let them catch a break – but it was all for a greater purpose.

Even Venus has previously mentioned how strict Richard was when it came to their practice sessions. “We were not allowed to play defense. It didn’t matter if we got to this shot that normally someone would play a defensive shot on. You couldn’t hurt us. We would just play offense no matter what. He really changed the game, and we were his students in that sense,” she said during an interview with Cultured Magazine last month.

In a new post on X, dated December 24, Hall of Famer and legendary coach Rick Macci remembered how Richard used to teach life lessons to Serena and Venus at a very young age. Per Macci, the father always wanted to make his daughters stronger individuals who don’t have to rely on others in any way. “Richard never carried the girls’ bag. Never carried the girls’ water. Never carried the girls’ dog.” wrote Rick. “He was all about owning it, not renting it. Your bag, water, and dog. His life lessons instilled a rough, tough mentality the world has never seen. @Venuseswilliams @serenawilliams,” he concluded.

But this isn’t the first time Richard’s strict ways of training and teaching have come to light. Two years ago, Venus had revealed how she and Serena had to go through sweaty training under him. During an Instagram session with her fans, she was asked about her favorite trick shot. To this, she responded, “I don’t have any trick shots. We never practiced them growing up. My dad was strict. We practiced winning shots lol. The players that hit those shots, put a lot of time into it. It’s not by chance.”

However, those who know Richard are also aware of how protective he’s been of Serena and Venus, especially during their early years. Yes, he was harsh on them in training, but was brave and fearless as well when it came to standing up for their careers.

When Richard Williams faced bullies while protecting Serena Williams and Venus

In the late 80s and 90s, tennis was seen as a predominantly white sport. Back then, Richard had to go through a lot of obstacles while taking Venus and Serena for training. They were heavily criticized by people who believed they weren’t meant to play the racket sport. Both daughters once asked him, “Daddy, why do people stare at us so badly?” Their father replied, “Because they are not used to seeing such beautiful people before.”

Another instance was when he took a beating for them from gang members and bullies. Once, in a training session, he was told to leave the court and when the senior refused, the bullies broke his jaw, nose, and some of his teeth too. Venus and Serena Williams‘ childhood coach Rick Macci would later recall this story in his diary, writing, “After today, history will remember the ‘toothless’ man as a monument of courage.”

His protective nature surfaced again when Richard once interrupted a live interview of Venus with ABC News. When she was just 14 years old, Venus had a session with journalist John McKenzie. He was very curious to know if she could really defeat her opponent in an upcoming match. Responding to him, she said, “I know I can beat her.” But McKenzie repeated himself and tried to pressure her by saying “You know you can beat her?” Again, Venus answered with a smile, showcasing her confidence. John, however, wasn’t buying how she was so confident in her victory.

After hearing their conversation, Richard decided to intervene. Explaining his reason for doing so, he told McKenzie, “You’ve got to understand that you’re dealing with an image of a 14-year-old child. And this child gonna be out there playing when your old ass and me are gonna be in the grave. When she says something, we done told you what’s happening. You’re dealing with a little black kid — and let her be a kid. She answered it with a lot of confidence. Leave that alone.”

What are your thoughts on Richard’s nature as a father and a strict trainer of Venus and Serena Williams? Do you think it was his harsh tactics that eventually helped them succeed in their professional lives? Let us know in the comments below.