Decoding Greatness: Rick Macci's Enduring Influence on Tennis
Jun 17, 2025
In the heart of Boca Raton, Rick Macci’s courts hum with energy. Every court at South County Regional Park echoes with Rick's contagious enthusiasm. Recently, Macci sat down with Florida Tennis Entertainment Director and Host, DJ Mad Linx, for an exclusive interview and revealed a few secrets to his approach.
Over the decades, this iconic coach has helped guide five players to a world No. 1 ranking including Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams.
Although Macci is confident, he always remembers his roots. “I actually was a very good golfer when I was 10 years old,” Macci says, laughing. But it was in Greenville, Ohio, at age 12, that he first picked up a tennis racquet—and something clicked. “Six years later, 18 years old, No. 1 in the Ohio Valley. No lessons.”
Photo courtesy of Rick Macci.
That self-taught journey laid the groundwork for something bigger than just competitive ambition. Macci realized early on that his true calling wasn’t hitting winners—it was building them. “At 22, I realized I wasn't gonna make it on the pro tour. I loved helping others more than myself.”
Macci’s coaching style doesn’t lean on tradition, nostalgia, or staid methods. He’s constantly evolving. “Listen, I never look in a rearview mirror,” he says. “If you're not getting better, you're getting worse.” It’s that forward-thinking mentality that keeps his academy fresh, drawing top players from around the globe. His courts are teeming with talent.
“Once you think you know everything or you got it [all] figured out, you're in trouble,” Macci explains. Every day remains a study session for Macci. He's always absorbing, adjusting, and applying new lessons for all his young players.
Photo courtesy of Rick Macci.
And while he’s known for perfecting a player's stroke mechanics, Macci is just as focused on what’s happening between the ears. “The mind is the most important thing,” he says. “And that's what really, in my opinion, separates Venus, Serena, Capriati, Roddick, Sharapova, Kenin, Ruud.”
Macci also sees the sport itself evolving—and he’s adapting right along with it. “I think where everything's going, it's more complete. And what was a low percentage shot back in the day is now becoming high percentage.” Macci is prepping his players for what’s next — one promising player at a time.
Macci's players walk out stronger—physically and mentally—thanks to the man at the center of it all. “I’ve always wanted to get better,” he says simply. That drive hasn’t faded. In fact, it’s as strong as the Florida sun. And that’s what makes Rick Macci more than a coach—he’s a force that’s shaping the future of the sport.
Exclusive Interview
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Written by Florida Tennis Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. On-camera interview with Florida Tennis Entertainment Director and Host DJ Mad Linx. Top Photo (left to right): DJ Mad Linx and Rick Macci.