Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci recalls how she always looked for a ‘DEFAULT’ during training by aiming shots at her opponent’s body

Rick Macci reminisces on how Serena Williams used to aim for the hitting partner at the net instead of trying to pass him.


Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci recalls how she always looked for a ‘DEFAULT’ during training by aiming shots at her opponent’s body

Rick Macci and Serna Williams (Image via: Imago)

American tennis legend Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rick Macci, has revealed that she always looked for a constant during training. This default was generally the opponent’s body for the American. Macci took to Twitter (now called X) to reminisce over the early training days of the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

Rick Macci has often been vocal about his childhood coaching of Williams and has never been shy about placing high praise on her. With a history-making 23 Grand Slam titles to her name, Serena Williams has definitely been worthy of his praise.

This time, Macci talked about her style when the opponent was at the net.

FS Video
As a kid, Serena Williams, when the hitting partner was at the net she would always try to nail him instead of pass him. Always! The little Compton Crusher was looking for the default! Loved that brutal baby goat. 
Rick Macci wrote on X

According to the American coach, when practicing on the court, Williams will always try to hit the opponent instead of going past him. Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the best tennis players in history.

With 23 Grand Slams, she is at the top of the record books, not only in women’s tennis but in tennis in general. With her first Grand Slam title at just 19 years of age, she had been dictating the sport for the better part of two decades, up until her retirement. Nevertheless, her impact on the sport will never be forgotten, regardless of whether she is an active player.

Serena Williams has defined women’s tennis for over two decades

Former tennis player and World No. 1 Serena Williams has been an inspiration to many other tennis players worldwide. For the better part of two decades, she was the sole torchbearer for American tennis. For a while, American tennis was synonymous with Serena Williams. With 23 Grand Slam titles, she holds quite a few records in the sport.

Serena Williams(Image via PBS)

With 23 Grand Slam titles in singles and 14 titles in doubles, she has a total of 37 Grand Slam titles. In a sport where one must be at their extreme best to even win a single Slam, Williams sure has set the bar at a great height. She also holds 23 WTA 1000 titles. Serena is also the holder of four Olympic gold medals, in singles and doubles combined.

The veteran American retired from the sport in 2022, wanting to spend more time at home with family. While she might not be playing on the tour anymore, her impact on the sport and the younger generation of players still holds.

In case you missed it: