Richard Williams, the father and lifelong trainer of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, is a central figure in their incredible rise to stardom. A man of remarkable vision, Richard’s story is as much about his belief in his daughters’ potential as it is about his unconventional approach to their training, which helped shape their tennis careers and the history of the sport.

Richard Williams had a plan long before Venus and Serena were born. In fact, he wrote a 78-page manifesto that outlined his intentions for their future in tennis. His vision was clear from the very beginning. Even before they were born, he declared them the future number one players in the world. Many thought he was crazy, but he remained resolute, confident that his daughters were destined for greatness. His commitment to their success began when he was inspired by a tennis match he watched on TV. The sight of a 25-year-old Romanian player named Virginia Ruzici earning a $40,000 check for a few days of work in a tennis tournament left an indelible mark on Richard. From that moment, he made a promise to himself that his future daughters would enter the world of tennis, and he would ensure they dominated it.

Both Venus and Serena were born within a year of each other, and by the time they were toddlers, Richard had already started to mold them into tennis players. The family lived in Compton, California, an area with its own set of challenges, but Richard was determined not to let anything get in the way of his plan. As he recalled in his autobiography, the family would often practice on local tennis courts, despite the danger of gang activity in the area. In fact, Richard was so committed that he even fought off gang members, and after a violent confrontation that left him severely injured with broken ribs and missing teeth, he returned to the courts to ensure that his daughters could continue practicing. His resolve was unshakable, and he proudly wore his injuries as a badge of honor.

Serena later reflected on her father’s dedication and how it shaped not just their careers, but the world of sports itself. She acknowledged that Richard’s vision broke boundaries in a sport where African Americans had not traditionally excelled. “Every time I stand out there, I think that I wouldn’t be here if somebody didn’t have that vision for me,” Serena said, recognizing her father’s unwavering belief in their potential.

In addition to his commitment to their tennis careers, Richard Williams was fiercely protective of his daughters, especially when it came to the media. One notable incident occurred in 1995 when Venus, at just 14 years old, was questioned by a reporter about her self-confidence before a major match. Richard, sensing the reporter’s condescending tone, intervened and shut the interview down. He defended Venus, saying, “You’re dealing with a little Black kid, and let her be a kid.” This moment exemplified the deep bond between Richard and his daughters and his role as their protector in the face of a media that often questioned their abilities.

Richard Williams also instilled in Venus and Serena values that would help them navigate life both on and off the court. While tennis was undeniably important, it was not the most important thing in his eyes. Richard emphasized the importance of family, faith, education, and financial responsibility. He warned them that many athletes lose their wealth after they retire and encouraged them to be smart with their money. Serena, in particular, took this advice to heart and admitted that her father’s wisdom about saving and investing helped her avoid many of the financial pitfalls that plague other athletes.

When Venus won her first Wimbledon title in 2000, she made history as the first Black woman to win the prestigious tournament since Althea Gibson. The victory was a landmark moment for both Venus and Serena, and Richard couldn’t contain his pride. He became a spectacle in his own right, holding up signs in the stands that read, “It’s Venus’ party and no one’s invited.” His exuberant behavior—at one point even shouting “Straight outta Compton!”—caused a stir, but Venus was never embarrassed. She understood her father’s larger vision and unwavering support for her success. “I’m proud of my dad,” Venus said, reflecting on his eccentric yet loving presence.

Even as Richard’s health began to decline, he remained involved in the lives of his daughters. Despite suffering two strokes in 2016, Richard continued to offer his guidance, even if his physical abilities were affected. In 2021, Venus posted a video of herself practicing with her father, showing that he was still actively coaching her. The bond between Richard and his daughters is a testament to his dedication and their shared commitment to excellence.

Serena, in particular, has often credited her father as being the most important figure in her career. She has called him “probably the best coach ever,” noting that his guidance, especially on how to serve, helped her become one of the most dominant players in tennis history. “He stayed up many nights watching films so he could teach us,” Serena said, highlighting her father’s tireless effort to give them every advantage on the court.

Richard’s influence on his daughters extends beyond their professional careers. When Serena married Alexis Ohanian in 2017, Richard was supposed to walk her down the aisle. However, he sent a text to Serena an hour before the ceremony, telling her he was too nervous to participate. While this moment was deeply emotional for Serena, she understood her father’s struggles and supported his decision. “Our family knows what we have,” Serena reassured him. The connection between Richard and his daughters goes far beyond tennis—it’s rooted in love, understanding, and mutual respect.

Even after health complications, Richard’s love for tennis and his daughters remains evident. He continues to give advice and guidance, proving that no matter the circumstances, he remains an irreplaceable part of their journey. Venus summed it up simply when she replied to a fan’s comment on social media: “Every practice!”

Through his unwavering support, Richard Williams has not only shaped two of the greatest tennis players in history but has also shown the world the power of belief, sacrifice, and vision. His legacy is not just one of sports triumph, but of love and determination.