Venus Williams will retire when she is ready, according to Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rick Macci she has nothing to prove
Venus Williams recently completed her 30th season on the WTA Tour, and there is no indication that the 43-year-old will retire from tennis anytime soon.
Venus Williams has brushed away speculation over her retirement and stated that she expects to play in 2024. Rick Macci, the iconic tennis coach who impacted the careers of Serena and Venus Williams, recently spoke on the ‘Match Point Canada podcast about his connection with the eldest Williams sister.
Venus and Serena were ten and nine years old when Rick Macci took them under his wing in 1991. He continued to train them until 1995, when their father, Richard Williams, chose to take over as full-time coach for the sisters.
Macci praised Venus for continuing to play tennis while many others were considering retirement. While he admitted that when athletes reach a certain age, their abilities and speed may deteriorate, in Venus’ case, this is not an issue. Venus enjoys the sport, and everyone enjoys watching her, according to Macci. He stated:
“As any athlete knows, when they get to the fourth quarter of the back nine, it’s difficult to hang it up.” Football, baseball, and hockey are all good options for when your talents have waned. But it is their choice. You can’t hear what I’m saying because you’re quicker than you used to be. More time, whatever. That moment will arrive. She enjoys playing. It’s a must-see television. Everyone adores V. She’ll do it when she wants to.”
The 68-year-old recalled the American legend’s greatest triumph, winning five Wimbledon titles, and recalled his prophecy of her success on the green of London in 1991. Macci used to practice her game on the lawn with Venus every day. He went on to say:
“She has also won five of them at Wimbledon.” You want to hear something out of the ordinary. In 1991, I told Angela Buxon, “This little girl will win five Wimbledons someday.” Venus and I used to train on grass for two hours a day to shorten the bat swing, take it early, and make a great volley spectacular, a good volley terrific, and a terrible volley good. As a result, I did it as a development tool.”
Macci went on to say that many in the tennis community exaggerated Venus’ defeats rather than her victories. Furthermore, he feels the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has nothing to prove and will retire on her terms. Macci stated:
“However, Venus defeated the world’s number 14 at Wimbledon.” But her loss at the US Open was exacerbated because it was so terrible. You understand what I mean. She was severely beaten. When she’s ready, she’ll do it. But she wants to play, and she wants to be out there. She has nothing to prove, after all.”
Read more:
Billie Jean King celebrates her 80th birthday with wife Ilana Kloss and family
