The Functional Tennis Podcast Coaching the Williams sisters and the path to greatness with Rick Macci
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Feb 14, 2023 Legendary coach Rick Macci discusses training Venus and Serena Williams as kids, his role in the film about them, advice on recovering from setbacks, and the importance of passion in tennis. He also shares insights on coaching approach, future plans, and attitude's impact on performance.
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Late Start, Fierce Work Ethic
- Rick Macci started tennis late at age 12 but quickly rose to top player in his state by practicing relentlessly without formal coaching.
- Shoveling snow to practice and hitting balls after basketball helped develop his mental toughness and self-teaching abilities.
Jennifer Capriati's Remarkable Comeback
- Jennifer Capriati came to Rick Macci at 10 years old and was transformed into a top player through technical and mental changes.
- Despite early setbacks, she made a remarkable comeback to become world number one with three Grand Slam titles.
Recognizing Williams Sisters' Potential
- Rick Macci first saw Venus and Serena playing and recognized their fierce competitive spirit and extraordinary desire.
- Despite initial doubts about their skills, their relentless determination convinced him they could transcend tennis and become legends.