'Stop practicing with men': Andre Agassi's father once blamed male practice partners for shocking downfall of Serena Williams and Venus Williams
Venus Williams
and Serena Williams were once given a very strong piece of advice by Mike Agassi, the father of tennis legend Andre Agassi. This happened in 2004, when both Venus and Serena were struggling on the court.
That year, neither of them won a Grand Slam singles title. Their rankings dropped, and people began to wonder what was going wrong. Mike Agassi told Tennis Week in 2004 that he spoke directly to
Richard Williams
, the father and coach of Venus and Serena. He believed the sisters were losing confidence because they were practicing with men, not women. According to him, this made their game weaker instead of stronger.
Mike Agassi told Richard Williams in 2004 to stop Venus and Serena Williams from training with men
Mike Agassi said the big mistake was that Venus Williams and Serena Williams were practicing with male players.
He explained that when the sisters hit powerful shots, the men easily returned them. That made the sisters try even harder, hitting bigger and riskier shots which often went out. As a result, they lost their rhythm, missed their serves, and slowly started losing confidence.
'I was talking with Serena's father and I said: the reason your daughters are losing is because they are practicing with men,'
Mike Agassi told Tennis Week.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Specialist Down Jackets for Ultralight Adventures
Trek Kit India
Learn More
Undo
'You try to hit bigger and bigger until the ball goes out. Then you lose your serve and your confidence.'
Agassi also pointed out that Russian players like Anastasia Myskina, Maria Sharapova, and Svetlana Kuznetsova were winning Grand Slam titles that year. He believed they were doing better because they trained with each other, not with men. 'They are not even half as talented as Venus and Serena,' he added,
'but they have more confidence because of how they practice.'
Also Read:
Martina Navratilova explodes after Donald Trump rewards NFL s*x offender Lawrence Taylor with Presidential Fitness role
Rick Macci
said Serena Williams trained with boys and even beat them easily
Serena Williams' childhood coach Rick Macci shared a different view. He said Serena always practiced with boys and didn't care about who she played. She even beat older boys with ease.
'In practice, all Serena did was play guys,'
Macci once said.
Macci also recalled that when Serena was just 11, she said she was better than tennis star John McEnroe. 'She believed it,' Macci said
. 'She had the fire and confidence of a true champion.'
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Who is Jorge Costa's wife Rute Costa? All about his marriage, children, and private life off the pitch
Who is Jorge Costa's wife Rute Costa? All about his marriage, children, and private life off the pitch (Image via Getty) Jorge Costa was a fierce wall behind leading FC Porto to the 2004 Champions League win. But away from the stadium lights, there was another side. It is the story of the man who loved simply. Who was Jorge as a husband and father? How did he care when the world cheered? We will meet Rute Costa, their two children, and hear from fans who saw something deeper. This story brings a quiet truth about Jorge Costa's life beyond football. Jorge Costa's married life with Rute Costa before divorce Jorge Costa married Rute Costa on a day in 1994 in Portugal, when both were young adults. They met before Jorge became famous at FC Porto. Rute stood beside him during his football rise in Porto, through long seasons and titles. They shared life in northern Portugal. In 2013, after nearly 19 years together, they decided to divorce. The separation was calm and respectful, according to Portuguese media. Even after they parted ways, they stayed connected through their children. — euronews (@euronews) Jorge Costa's children with wife Rute Costa Jorge Costa had two sons: David Costa Almeida and Salvador Almeida. That is what sports news reports confirm. He loved them deeply. David and Salvador grew up in Porto, Portugal. Friends and journalists say Jorge always found time for them, even when football took him away. Every match, every training session, he made space at home to play with them or just talk. Jorge's role as 'dad' meant more to him than the captain's armband. He often smiled when his sons cheered his matches. Jorge Costa's fans and teammates remember his legacy Fans and club friends remember more than trophies. Many saw Jorge Costa as a devoted father behind closed doors. A fan in Porto once said, 'He was a hero on the pitch and a gentle man at home.' After his sudden passing on August 5, 2025, FC Porto and other clubs shared heartfelt messages, not only about his football legacy but about his kindness as a father. The club said his values included dedication, leadership, and passion, both for sport and for family. Supporters around Portugal nodded: Jorge Costa remained grounded, caring, and focused on his boys. Also Read: UFC Legend Conor McGregor Enters Ireland Presidential Race With Strong Message To The Public Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
New York Knicks closely tracking Giannis Antetokounmpo after Milwaukee Bucks' surprise Damian Lillard exit
New York Knicks closely tracking Giannis Antetokounmpo after Milwaukee Bucks' surprise Damian Lillard exit (Image Source: Getty Images) The New York Knicks may be preparing for something big. According to NBA insider James L. Edwards III, Knicks president Leon Rose has been keeping a close watch on Giannis Antetokounmpo 's situation in the Milwaukee Bucks, especially after the Bucks made a surprising move by waiving Damian Lillard this offseason. Leon Rose and New York Knicks monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo since before NBA offseason On August 5, NBA insider James L. Edwards III posted on X that New York Knicks president Leon Rose has been quietly watching Giannis Antetokounmpo's status with the Milwaukee Bucks. Edwards shared, 'It is my understanding that Leon Rose and company have been monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo's situation in Milwaukee very closely, even before the offseason started.' This means the New York Knicks were watching even before the Bucks waived Damian Lillard and signed Myles Turner this summer. The Knicks haven't made any public statements. But insiders say the front office is on alert. The team is known to be interested in adding a star and if the right chance comes, they may make a move. Edwards added, 'Many around the league believe the Knicks are interested in star hunting… I believe it's in the cards if the right situation presents itself.' Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain after key roster moves Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has played 11 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, hasn't said anything about leaving. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Emergency Generators in Gelan: (Prices May Surprise You) Emergency Generator | Search Ads Search Now Undo But things around him are shifting. This offseason, the Bucks made two big moves, signing center Myles Turner and letting go of guard Damian Lillard. Some fans and insiders believe these changes may not sit well with Giannis. While Giannis hasn't spoken publicly about his next step, people around the league are starting to talk. If the Milwaukee Bucks' direction no longer fits Giannis' goals, other teams, including the New York Knicks, may step in. The Knicks are in a strong position. They have cap space, young talent, and future picks. That gives them the tools to trade, if needed. Also Read: Stephen Curry exposed by sister and god-sister as Damion Lee reveals what really drives the NBA superstar So far, there's no offer, no trade, and no request. But the New York Knicks are watching, and the league is listening. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Over the last two months ... ': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded skipper Shubman Gill for leading from the front during the recently concluded Test series against England and backed him to continue shining in the years ahead. Gill was instrumental in India's hard-fought 2-2 draw, amassing 754 runs with four centuries across the five-match series. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I think Gill has done a fabulous job, that's all I can say and he will keep doing well for Indian cricket," Gambhir told reporters upon his arrival from England on Tuesday. While Gambhir played a part in tactical decisions during the series, he was quick to deflect credit and emphasise the team's collective effort. "We are really happy. I think the boys deserve every bit of it because the way they fought since the last two months in all the five Test matches. They deserve all the plaudits." IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill on Oval thriller, Siraj's spell, and missing Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah Mohammed Siraj has been receiving widespread praise for his performances, but Gambhir made it clear that several players stood out throughout the series. "Look he (Siraj) has been really brilliant, not only him, the entire team has performed brilliantly and it is really difficult for me to mention one name. "These guys have, be it Shubman, be it Siraj, Jaddu, Washi, Jaiswal, I can stand here and talk for the next 20 mins about the individual performances. I think the boys have been brilliant in the last two months," Gambhir said. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
