Rick Macci: The Mastermind Behind Tennis Greatness

Rick Macci didn’t set out to become a household name in tennis. But through sheer determination, tireless dedication, and a gift for spotting raw talent, he became one of the most respected coaches in the history of the game. Florida Tennis recently got a chance to conduct an exclusive interview Macci as part of our podcast series. 

And what an honor to speak with this icon. Over the decades, he’s helped guide five players to a world No. 1 ranking including Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams. He's also built one of the most successful training facilities in the world, the Rick Macci Tennis Academy, located here in Florida at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton. 

At 70 years old, Macci still teaches every day, often before the sun even rises. “Most days I’m up at one in the morning,” Macci says. “I Zoom with players in Europe and Asia, return emails, and open the park by four. I’m on court at five.” Macci's commitment isn’t just impressive—it’s relentless. Long before most people hit the snooze button, Macci is already halfway through his morning. That kind of drive has defined his entire journey.

Above: Macci with junior phenom, Vlada Hrancher. Photo Credit: Rick Macci Tennis Academy

“I’m from Greenville, Ohio,” Macci says. “At age 12, I picked up a racquet, I hit against the wall, I loved it. By 18 years old, I'm No. 1 in the Ohio Valley, beating all Americans and never had a lesson in my life.” However, this was only the start of Macci's tennis journey. He would go on to create a lifelong obsession. "Then at 22, I got into teaching and I found out that I like helping others more than myself,” he says.

One of Macci’s earliest standout students became a junior sensation who quickly made waves on the international stage. “One of the first was Tommy Ho,” Macci says. “Won all the Grand Slam juniors in the 12's, youngest ever to win the 18’s as a 15 year old.” His success helped cement Macci’s growing reputation for identifying and training elite talent at a young age.

Things changed fast when Richard Williams introduced his daughters to Macci. He saw right away that they were different—not just physically gifted, but mentally fierce. “They ran for every ball,” Macci remembers. “Even if it was ten feet out, they ran like it mattered. They had a rage inside—I’d never seen [anything like] that.” Impressed, Macci offered them housing, private school, full-time coaching—and a shot. 

Above: Macci with the Williams family in the early days. Photo Credit (via Instagram): @rickmaccitennis

Yet, for Macci, coaching the Williams sisters was only one part of a much larger story. “I’ve coached over 500 players who’ve received college scholarships,” he says. “And many who never held a racquet before age 10. Everyone’s journey matters. It’s not just about the ones who end up on TV.” 

Macci’s impact goes far beyond technique. He’s equal parts teacher, psychologist, motivator, and mentor. “Coaches don't just change strokes. Coaches change people's lives. Coaching is an art.” His style blends mechanics with mindset. That unique approach has earned him loyalty from generations of players.

Despite his accolades—including Hall of Fame inductions, a portrayal in the movie King Richard, and books (including Macci Magic and Billion Dollar Mind)—Macci still sees himself as a humble servant of the game, committed to teaching, learning, and lifting others up one lesson at a time.

Exclusive Interview

===

Written by Florida Tennis Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Florida Tennis Podcast is hosted by Adam Ross and can be found on the Florida Tennis YouTube channel and Bleacher Brothers Network. Top Photo Credit:  Rick Macci Tennis Academy