“Brainwashed to become No. 1″—Serena Williams‘ ex-coach, Rick Macci, played a vital role in putting her raw talent to use.
Before her sensational performances stormed the WTA, the American coach’s relationship with her and her elder sister Venus Williams was relatively unspoken. Naturally, some moments never reached fans’ inboxes, but Macci finally decided to change that. Not only that, but Macci also revealed why Williams always stood out among other students in her academy.
The Williams sisters first practiced with the American coach in 1991. He took the generational talent under his wing for four years before their father, Richard Williams, stepped in to take full charge of their coaching responsibilities in 1995. However, during that period, Macci spent countless moments training Serena. It wasn’t all work and no play. The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Master Professional always found time to plan fun activities for all the players in his Florida academy.
Subsequently, Macci took to X and narrated chucklesome moments from when the 23-time Slam winner loved to play ‘Tag’ with other students. He further elaborated that Williams was his players’ most feared opponent due to her tactical finesse, enabling her to win each time. She was a natural, with a hint of instinctive talents. “Serena loved to play TAG as a kid with all the other students.”
“She in my opinion was the MOST FEARED student playing tag in the History of the academy. Not because of her agility cat-like quickness or rocket speed. It was because she played with a CLOSED FIST,” he said.
For those unaware, Macci’s pivotal role in Williams’ life was also showcased in the movie ‘King Richard,’ depicting her father’s poignant journey in transforming young girls into tennis legends. Macci’s role in the biographical sports drama was led by renowned American actor Jon Bernthal.
Serena Williams candidly opened up her postpartum body after welcoming her second daughter, Adira, in August 2023.
Williams, 42, took to Instagram on Saturday, June 15, to share a clip of herself getting a skin radio frequency tightening procedure on her torso. “On my last trip to Paris a girlfriend of mine treated me to a spa day,” she captioned the post. “She knows after 2 babies I have been self conscious of my tummy. I just had to post this video she took.
The results have been amazing. I can see progress with my skin going back to normal and my confidence coming back. Listen, my body will never be the same but neither will I cause I have 2 amazing lights in my life.” In addition to Adira, Williams and husband Alexis Ohanian share 6-year-old daughter Olympia.
She continued: “I will always love my birthing scars but I just wanted to say thanks to my friend Mia and Nat for letting me know it’s ok to take time for myself away from work and kids.” The former tennis pro also shared she’ll keep her followers updated on her body transformation.
Since giving birth to Adria in August 2023, Williams has been open about her evolving figure. In October 2023, she shared a snap of her via Instagram hitting the gym and trying to get her “ab muscles working again.”
“Here comes fitness!” she captioned the post. In February, she updated her followers on her progress while posing in a bikini. “Right now I love that my body is not picture perfect,” she wrote. “I love getting to know a new version of my body. It is a change, but it’s a change that has been well worth it.”
Williams also got real about attempting to fit into a tight Valentino denim skirt that she bought while pregnant, hoping to wear it after giving birth. Last month, she attempted to put the garment on until it got stuck around her bum. “Can’t say I’m happy about this but it’s getting there,” she said in the social media video.
She perhaps would’ve won even more in her career had she not dealt with competition from her younger sister, Serena Williams.
The 43-year-old won 23 Major titles, ending her career in 2022 as arguably the greatest player in the history of the WTA Tour.
Battling it out for more than 20 years, the Williams sisters developed a legendary rivalry that helped take women’s tennis to another level.
During the rivalry, Venus Williams did whatever it took to get ahead of her sister, sometimes to her own detriment.
Speaking on her YouTube channel, Williams explained how a lack of flexibility troubled her throughout her professional career.
“Some people like Serena [Williams], she’s so much looser than me, and she could do middle splits and all this stuff,” she said.
“There’s a point where I was really trying to work on getting a lot looser but I actually ended up hurting myself in that process.
“The reason is once you start actually stretching a lot more to get more flexibility, it actually strengthens you.”
Williams then explained what she came to ‘accept’ over time in her career.
“I’m not the most flexible person, I tried, I tried, I realized it’s not me,” she said.
“I’d be on tour watching other tennis players, and I’m like, why are they so flexible, then I realized it’s just not me.
“So I accepted that I’m not the most flexible person, and that’s ok.”
Williams explained her stretching routines to her fans, something that she’ll need to keep on top of as she returns to the sport next month.
The 44-year-old was handed a Wild Card to the Indian Wells tournament in California, where she will make her first professional appearance since losing in the 2024 Miami Open first round.
Venus and Serena Williams faced off 31 times in total, as they clashed on tennis’ biggest stages.
Serena led the head-to-head 19-12, although their record in Major finals was far more lopsided, as the younger of the two sisters dominated at the Grand Slam level.
Grand Slam final
Winner
Loser
Score
2017 Australian Open
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
6-4, 6-4
2009 Wimbledon
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
7-6, 6-2
2008 Wimbledon
Venus Williams
Serena Williams
7-5, 6-4
2003 Wimbledon
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
4-6, 6-4, 6-2
2003 Australian Open
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
7-6, 3-6, 6-4
2002 US Open
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
6-4, 6-3
2002 Wimbledon
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
7-6, 6-3
2002 French Open
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
7-5, 6-3
2001 US Open
Venus Williams
Serena Williams
6-2, 6-4
Venus Williams and Serena Williams’ Grand Slam final head-to-head
Venus heartbreakingly lost seven Major finals to her sister, including five in a row between 2002 and 2003.
They faced off for a Grand Slam title one final time at the Australian Open in 2017, as fans witnessed another chapter of their legendary rivalry.
In straight sets, Serena secured her 23rd and final Major title, taking her sister down on the big occasion once again.
Their last Major final meeting came in 2017, but the last time fans saw Venus and Serena Williams face off was in Lexington five years ago.
Serena was the top seed at the event, as she took on her sister in the second-round, after Venus beat former two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka in her opening match.
It was Venus who struck first, taking the first set 6-3, before her younger sister battled back in the second and third.
Eventually, Serena pulled through, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the quarter-finals in Lexington.
It was there that she lost to fellow American Shelby Rogers as her campaign came to an abrupt end.
The sisters never played again on the WTA Tour, as a legendary rivalry saw its final chapter written in Lexington, Kentucky, five years ago.
Serena Williams is showcasing a new skill — gardening.
The tennis champion, 43, gave fans a peek into one of her hobbies via an Instagram story on Monday, February 17. In the video, she wears a sweater over a blue Nike T-shirt as she takes fans on a tour of her garden.
“Rare footage of me at my farm where I’m just picking the Moringa things off the trees, I don’t know what they’re called!” she laughed.
She continued, “So when I — I do a lot of cooking, I make lots of teas from leaves. I dehydrate things and I — I’m like a little bit of a, I don’t know, naturalist. But I don’t really talk about it a lot.”
Williams explained that she was collecting leaves from the Moringa tree to dehydrate and make her own tea. She added that if you take the seeds, keep them wet for a few days, and eat them, they help flush out your system and aid digestion.
The mom of two has been making headlines off the court in recent weeks, especially after surprising fans with an appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, where she famously performed a c-walk during his “Not Like Us” performance.
She previously performed the dance after winning gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, which inspired Lamar.
“When @kendricklamar and team called and was like ‘we’ve been trying to do something forever, what about this? We loved your crip walk at the Olympics after you won the gold medal,'” she revealed an Instagram post following the Super Bowl. “I’m like Super Bowl? Are you serious? When in the world would I ever be able to dance at a superbowl? (Never) let’s do it! I knew my winning dance after the @olympics would pay off one day. End of story.”
Shortly after the event, the retired sports star was criticised for performing the Crip Walk dance during the show, a dance she was also slammed for performing to celebrate her victory at the 2012 London Olympics.
Serena was also accused by social media users of appearing to diss Drake, who she is widely believed to have dated in the past, by teaming up with his rap rival Kendrick amid their ongoing feud.
In response to the backlash, Serena’s husband Alexis Ohanian took to X to defend his wife, writing, “Some of y’all have no idea how criticised Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago and it shows….This is bigger than the music.”
Serena has now taken to X a week later to respond to the criticism.
“That there my baby daddy and husband. Always got my back. I Love you,” the 43-year-old wrote on Monday. “Gosh I’m so late to the game (I’ve been sick) & busy investing in billion dollar companies and running @WYNbeauty… def not dancing to be petty lol.”
The sports star, who won 23 Grand Slams during her career, continued, “I think I proved 23 times over (not counting four gold medals) that I simply don’t have time for petty. All love and respect always nothing negative here.”
Let the waves hit your feet, it’s perhaps time for a bit of relaxation.
After a breathtaking performance at the Super Bowl LIX, Serena Williams was spotted performing her motherhood duties on the very next day. However, while trying to find a perfect balance between her jam-packed schedules and daily routines, the tennis legend finally found some time for relaxation as well. Recently, Serena Williams shared a few glimpses of her ‘girls trip’ on her IG handle. To put it short, she flaunted her mesmerizing style while relaxing under the sun.
Serena Williams stunned everyone when she came out crip walking to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like US; during the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Ever since that iconic performance, Williams received quite a lot of criticism for multiple reasons. However, she looked literally unfazed by all of that. The next day, she uploaded a video clip, where she was heard saying, “In between meetings, I ran, took Adira to the zoo, and then I’m gonna go back to the office. Just a day in the life.”
That shows us, that even after almost three years of retirement, Serena Williams’ schedule is still very tight! Perhaps, she still has to follow that inspirational mantra that she once said while doing yoga, “I will Rest. I will Recover. I will Recharge. I will Repeat. I will enjoy some time for myself.” Talking about finding time for herself, on her girls’ trip, Serena was spotted slaying in a stunning bikini top while sitting beside a pool on a bright sunny day. A little splash of water on the feet can infuse a wholesome relaxing experience, isn’t it?
Along with her green and white designed attire, the fashion icon also donned a similar colored hairband along with a black sunglass. Serena was taking selfies as well, while the gentle waves of the water from the pool splashed onto her feet. She captioned that picture with, “Unfiltered untouched magic at magic hour #girlstrip.” Life after retirement seems great for Serena Williams, isn’t it?
Well, not only retirement but even the swimsuits and beachwear look great on this beautiful tennis diva! Last year, she posted a similar picture of herself jumping on the beach on a bright sunny day, wearing a black swimsuit. She had also uploaded another picture of herself with the turquoise blue water in the background and captioned that post with, “Them: Don’t start jumping to conclusions…Me:” Her fellow tennis star, Caroline Wozniacki showered love on the American, as she commented, “❤️🔥.”
Serena Williams is a perfect example of how important it is to take time out for oneself and celebrate each moment of our lives. However, everything wasn’t always picture-perfect for her.
Being Serena Williams is certainly not easy! In 2018, she even admitted, “It’s been so hard balancing being a mom and starting my clothing line, as well as playing a professional sport!” Trying to find a balance between work and family life and then finding some time for oneself has always been a bit challenging for her, even after retirement. However, with time, Serena has started to ace all of these things.
The mother of two is now an inspiration to several working mothers. What does she think about taking care of herself amid all these daily routines? “Being ok to take time for myself is something I have always struggled with. I finally started being ok to take an hour (during nap time) away from my kids and work to do something for myself. I always feel guilty leaving them but I have to also remember taking care of myself, will only help me take better care of them,“ said Williams in a previous social media post.
Nowadays, even her husband, Alexis Ohanian feels a bit amazed by the way she handles all these things. He once said, “Something (Williams) is really good at is shutting it off and focusing on family time and personal time.” Not only that, Ohanian also believes, “My wife’s got like a switch in her brain where when she’s not on the clock, she is off, she is not thinking about tennis or business or fashion or anything. It’s date night or it’s Olympia time. It’s like it is off. I’m certain that is a muscle she’s had exercised her entire career.”
Serena Williams, from the moment she started playing tennis until her retirement, lived a life centered around the sport.
Like any other professional athlete, if you want to be the best, you have to make certain sacrifices so that the effort pays off.
Now, Serena is a full-time mom and entrepreneur. She also makes epic Super Bowl appearances and stays incredibly busy in every possible way. That’s why a break was necessary, so she grabbed her bikinis and joined her friends for a few hours of relaxation in the sun.
The beach is the perfect escape for a well-earned break, and that’s exactly how Serena Williams chose to unwind-soaking up the sun in a bikini and embracing some well-deserved relaxation. But it wasn’t just her dreamy getaway that had fans talking-everyone couldn’t help but notice how incredibly toned and strong her arms look, proving she’s still in peak form.
Despite juggling multiple business ventures, Serena admits that taking time off isn’t easy for her. After years of a fast-paced, commitment-filled lifestyle, slowing down doesn’t come naturally. But as a true champion, she knows that rest is just as vital as training-because a strong body thrives on a balanced mind.
Even in her moments of relaxation, Serena carries that signature confidence and discipline that made her a legend on the court. Whether she’s dominating in business, spending quality time with her family, or just enjoying a little sunshine, she does it with the same energy and pa that defined her career. Fans love seeing this side of her, unfiltered, and still inspiring in every way.
And while she may not be chasing Grand Slam titles anymore, Serena is still setting an example. She’s proving that even the most driven, hardworking individuals deserve to hit pause and enjoy life. Whether it’s a beach day with friends or a quiet moment to recharge, she reminds us all that balance is key. Because at the end of the day, true greatness isn’t just about winning-it’s about knowing when to push forward and when to simply soak it all in.
The WTA Tour Finals in Saudi Arabia was never going to be an under-the-radar affair.
Judy Murray, a top coach and the mother of Andy, the two-time Wimbledon champion, has been conducting clinics. There will be events focused on women’s health issues. A 5,000-seat stadium-within-a-stadium venue has been constructed at King Saud University.
And Spain’s Garbine Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam champion, former world No. 1 and boldface name in tennis, is tournament director.
“She’s played the event, she’s won the event,” said Steve Simon, the chairman of the WTA Tour. “She has a unique perspective.”
As the women’s tennis tour arrives in a kingdom with a history of suppressing women’s rights, it has summoned all the star power it can muster alongside the eight players who will make it an event. In for a dime, in for more than $15million (£11.5m), which was the total prize money brokered in the three-year deal between the WTA Tour and the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) in April this year.
If Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Zheng Qinwen or Barbora Krejcikova can hoist the trophy at the end without losing a match, the undefeated champion will receive over $5m (£3.8m) — more than any of the Grand Slam tournaments.
Muguruza is taking up the role as the WTA seeks equilibrium for its marquee event after five years of turmoil by bringing its most important asset to a country that has never held a major tennis event and which has been heavily criticized for sportswashing — using big sporting events to veneer its human rights record.
“We want to have stability,” Muguruza said in an interview on Zoom in July. In that sense, she has nowhere to go but up.
Back in 2022 at the US Open, Serena Williams announced her retirement after over two decades of service to the sport. Leaving the tennis scene as one of the greatest players to have picked the racket, the American legend left a huge void to fill. Soon after her retirement, rumors even began to circulate about her U-turn on the retirement decision. While the 23-time Grand Slam champion has kept her fans guessing, it looks like she is gearing up for a return to the court, albeit in a different role.
Despite her retirement, Williams has kept her fans updated about her day-to-day activities through social media. While she is enjoying her holiday season, the American geared up to make a return to the court and shared some glimpses of it via her official Instagram handle.
Ticking all the boxes regarding her socks, ankle, and outfit, Williams got her looks on point to play Padel, one of America’s fastest-growing sports. Sporting a black top and neon green skirt, she complemented her looks perfectly with black shoes and white socks. Williams unearthed the memories from her playing days and hardly missed any shots while trying her hand at Padel. Be it the forehand or the backhand, all was as good as it was in early 2010s.
Interestingly, Williams has often endorsed Padel tennis since before her retirement. One of the fastest-growing sports in America, it is gaining massive popularity, and many renowned names have endorsed the sport, apart from Williams. Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo followed Williams in endorsing Padel tennis just hours after the US Open final. He made a massive investment of $5,360,0000 to boost its facilities in his home country, Portugal.
Vocal Critic of Coco Gauff’s Weakness, American Tennis Coach Sparks Curiosity Over Her Off-Season Prep For United Cup 2025
While Williams has picked up Padel now, in the past she highlighted that she hasn’t retired, in fact, she has just evolved. During an interview, she made her thoughts clear on retirement.
Djokovic has won in straight sets in his last 13 victories
Can Safiullin stop the World No.4 at the Shanghai Masters?
Watch Roman Safiullin vs Novak Djokovic live
Roman Safiullin vs Novak Djokovic Preview
Novak Djokovic is 2-0 against Roman Safiullin and thrashed Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-2 in the third round in Shanghai. Djokovic can maintain his form and take care of business in the fourth round.
Stats
Roman Safiullin has lost in straight sets in 4 of his last 5 matches against Top 10 players.
Novak Djokovic has won in straight sets in 2 matches against Roman Safiullin.
Novak Djokovic has won 20 of his last 22 matches.
Novak Djokovic has won in straight sets in his last 13 wins.
HTH
Novak Djokovic is 2-0 against Roman Safiullin, winning 6-1 7-6 at the 2022 Tel Aviv Open and 6-1 6-2 at the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters.
Roman Safiullin Stats
Nationality: Russia
Age: 27 (7 August 1997)
Height: 6’1″ (1.85m)
Plays: Right-Handed
World Ranking: 61
Career High: 36 (January 2024)
ATP Tour Titles: 0
Shanghai Masters Best Result: Third Round (2023)
Roman Safiullin Form
Roman Safiullin is 17-22 on the ATP Tour this year, enjoying a solid start in Brisbane where he got to the semi-finals. That was as good as it got, unable to get to the quarter-finals in his next 21 tournaments.
The 27-year-old saw his serve broken once in his opening two matches in Shanghai. He defeated Beibit Zhukayev 7-6 6-4 and Alexander Bublik 6-4 6-2, winning over 62% of his 2nd serves in each victory.
The Russian upset 13th seed Frances Tiafoe 5-7 7-5 7-6 in the third round, winning 32% of his 2nd serves and saving 7/10 break points.
Novak Djokovic Stats
Nationality: Serbia
Age: 37 (22 May 1987)
Height: 6’2″ (1.88m)
Plays: Right-Handed
World Ranking: 4
Career High: 1 (July 2011)
ATP Tour Titles: 99
2024 ATP Tour Titles: 1
Grand Slam Singles Titles: 24 (10 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 7 Wimbledon, 4 US Open)
Shanghai Masters Best Result: Winner (2012, 2013, 2015, 2018)
Novak Djokovic Form
Novak Djokovic is 34-8 this year, reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open, Monte Carlo Masters and Geneva Open. He injured his knee at the French Open, getting back on court at Wimbledon where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
The World No.2 got some revenge on clay at the Olympics, beating Alcaraz 7-6 7-6 in the final to claim the gold medal. He lost to Alexei Popyrin in the US Open third round and thrashed Ioannis Xilas 6-0 6-1 at the Davis Cup.
The Serbian spent almost two hours on court in his opening match in Shanghai, beating Alex Michelsen 7-6 7-6. He annihilated Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-2 in the third round, winning 81% of his 2nd serves and not allowing a break point.
