— New York According to the coach who played a major role in developing Serena Williams’s skill more than three decades ago, Serena’s retirement from tennis would leave a hole that may never be totally filled.
On Friday, the 40-year-old, 23-time Grand Slam winner withdrew from the US Open in what is largely believed to be the last singles event of her 27-year professional career.
For Florida-based coaching expert Rick Macci, who supervised the growth of Williams and her sister Venus in the early 1990s, Serena Williams leaves a legacy that cannot be surpassed.
Serena ultimately came short of equaling Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam championships.
But for Macci, his former pupil’s accomplishments on and off the court reflect a more basic and enduring legacy than a simple count of championships.
Macci told AFP, “She is the best female tennis player in history and the finest female athlete we’ve ever seen.”
“I tell others that she should be on Mount Rushmore not just because of her stature, speed, quickness, agility, the greatest serve in history, and her ability to dominate you.
Macci said, “No, she should be on Mount Rushmore because when you played Serena, she actually made everyone ‘run more’.”
Checking all boxes
Macci feels Williams’ plethora of technical skills and physical prowess, along with her extraordinary longevity and an unbreakable attitude developed by her background in Compton, made her exceptional.
“You will never see another player like Serena Williams,” the 67-year-old stated.
“She has size, speed, quickness, strength, and agility. Even at the age of nine, she was muscularly developed.
“Technically, her shots are quite precise. We fashioned the greatest serve in tennis history. But ultimately, everything comes down to that Compton street battle.
“She resembled a pit bull. When she had you in her grasp, she refused to let go. And it is a remarkable characteristic. She possesses no vulnerabilities “Macci remarked.
In addition to Williams’ 23 singles Grand Slams, which accounted for 73 total championships, she won 14 doubles titles with her sister Venus and four Olympic gold medals.
Macci, who has also coached Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, and Maria Sharapova throughout his Hall of Fame career, feels Williams could have easily won more championships.
“She did not compete in all Grand Slams. She was harmed. She was a mother. She may have won thirty Grand Slams.
“But it has nothing to do with the statistics. When you hear them all, you are essentially hypnotized. She could accomplish everything. She is the most psychologically powerful female athlete we’ve ever seen “Macci stated.
Doubles encore?
Williams exits the scene without a clear successor in the women’s game. Ashleigh Barty’s unexpected exit and Naomi Osaka’s poor performance, according to Macci, depict a sport in upheaval.
Macci said, “There will be a little bit of a void.” “It will take time to establish rivalries, which is why women’s tennis is now so fluid.
“For someone to be the face and to dominate like Serena, it will never happen again.
“Forget the statistics, these figures are astronomical. This is one thing. But you will never see someone who has affected so many people worldwide,” he adds.
Macci believes feel there is a significant possibility that Williams will continue to play doubles with sister Venus.
He said, “I could see her and Venus playing doubles in two or three years.”
“You cover barely half of the court. They both have excellent serves. Their comeback serve is vicious. I could see them continuing to play doubles and mixed doubles. I expect nothing to surprise me.
He adds, “I don’t believe we’ve heard the last of either sister.”
Macci, who first saw the Williams sisters play doubles on a dilapidated court in Compton 31 years ago, would find it gratifying to see the Williams sisters’ doubles combination reemerge.
“When Venus and Serena were nine years old, they were skipping and holding hands,” he remarked.
“Even in their forties, they continue to skip and hold hands. Two peas in a pod — unequaled.”
AFP