‘My Dad Wouldn’t Let Me Play’ – Venus Williams Reflects on Reliving Emotional Life Moments Through King Richard

What happens when your parents wholeheartedly support your dreams? The Williams family offers a remarkable answer.

With their unwavering devotion, Richard Williams and Oracene Price not only nurtured their daughters’ aspirations but helped shape Serena and Venus Williams into legends.

Their journey stands as an inspiring example for parents everywhere, showcasing how guidance and belief can foster greatness. But was it solely hard work and dedication that led to their success?

According to the Williams sisters, there’s more to the story. In a recent conversation, Venus Williams reflected on her unique relationship with her parents, particularly her father, and revealed how his distinctive approach played a pivotal role in their rise to the top of the sport.

Queen V shared a compelling glimpse into her childhood and the unique coaching style of her father, Richard Williams. As the driving force behind the Williams sisters’ early tennis success, Richard’s dedication laid the foundation for their remarkable careers. According to

Forbes, despite having no prior knowledge of tennis, he coached his daughters and soon became known for his protective and occasionally overbearing nature. Yet, beneath this persona, he prioritized fun and enjoyment in their journey.

Serena Williams affirmed this, saying, “He wanted us to have fun first over anything. That’s the thing I loved most.” The sisters aimed to showcase this multifaceted personality through the biographical film King Richard.

In an interview with Cultured magazine, Venus Williams elaborated on their dynamic with their father. Reflecting on her early years, she said, “It’s so interesting because the film is about a 10-year-old me. I’m this whole other person, but I’m also still that person, you know? I could see the excitement that I had as a 10-year-old.

I wanted to play this junior tournament so bad, and my dad wouldn’t let me play until I beat him. Then I beat him, and I still didn’t get to play until a year and a half later.”

Venus highlighted how her father’s approach cultivated their competitive edge, instilling patience and drive. She also recounted Serena’s persistence, sharing, “Even Serena, he wouldn’t let her play, so she entered herself in a tournament.”

Though Richard’s methods may have seemed strict, his focus remained on fostering a love for the sport. Venus reflected fondly on this, saying, “I got to relive those moments of pure joy, of not knowing anything except how to play a pure game.

My parents didn’t even teach us to understand draws, because they didn’t want us looking at the draw. They wanted us to play tennis and not worry about who you might play.” Her words underscore the family’s philosophy, which nurtured two of the greatest players in tennis history.

via Getty

Williams’ sister’s mother Oracene Price was equally contributing to her daughters’ tennis careers. In her latest documentary, In the Arena: Serena Williams, the 23-Grand Slam winner expressed gratitude for her mother. “Thanks, Mom… It all started with my parents, and they deserve everything, so I’m really grateful for them,” said Serena Williams.

Serena and Venus Williams‘ former coach Rick Macci offered a nuanced perspective on Richard Williams. While describing him as stubborn, Macci emphasized his unwavering commitment to his daughters’ happiness, ensuring they remained free from the stress of their burgeoning careers.

Ultimately, Richard’s balance of discipline, joy, and fatherly care proved instrumental in shaping the extraordinary legacies of Venus and Serena Williams.

Rick Macci highlighted the brilliance of Richard Williams with his anecdotes

Richard Williams appointed Rick Macci as a coach for Venus and Serena, and the two formed a friendship rooted in their shared commitment to the sisters’ success.

Reflecting on Richard’s determination, Macci recently shared his thoughts on X, writing, “Just finished a radio interview and was asked, was Richard Williams really that stubborn as portrayed in the movie @kingrichard.

The (answer) was no, he was not. He was a lot more stubborn than the movie portrayed, and that is why I love this guy and father. RICHARD WILLPOWER!” Macci’s words underscored the deep admiration and respect the tennis fraternity holds for Richard’s relentless drive and dedication.

During Venus and Serena’s teenage years, their father balanced their burgeoning tennis careers with a commitment to their education and personal lives. Macci recalled how, even as they played against rising stars like 15-year-old Saniyya Sidney and 14-year-old Demi Singleton, Richard prioritized their development as well-rounded individuals.

Speaking in an interview in Boca Raton, Florida, Macci said, “That’s why I love the guy. I tell everyone he’s the best father of all time. The public sees a tyrant, but he always kept balance in their lives. He wanted them to be kids.”

Macci went on to describe how Richard’s approach encouraged the sisters to enjoy life outside tennis. “They would always bring their books to the court. If it rained, they’d go up to my office and study. If they didn’t want to play, they didn’t play; they’d go to the mall, the beach, or Disney World. The guy was in no hurry, and that’s why I respect him so much,” he concluded.

Richard Williams was undoubtedly an extraordinary figure in tennis, a visionary who shaped two of the sport’s greatest talents while preserving their childhoods. His unwavering support for his daughters’ dreams and his ability to balance discipline with joy reveal the profound impact a dedicated father can have. Do you agree that his approach revolutionized the sport and inspired countless families worldwide?