"This isn't same Serena that we're used to seeing" - former coach Macci on Williams' US Open farewell
WTA
Rick Macci warned against high expectations ahead of Serena Williams' farewell at the 2022 US Open.
If there's someone who knows Serena Williams well, it's Macci. He coached the 23-time Grand Slam champion and her sister when they were still kids, helping to shape their game.
Now, Serena's career will come to an end at the 2022 US Open, and Macci spoke to Tennis Infinity about what to expect from the legendary American's farewell at Flushing Meadows.
Macci watched Williams compete at Wimbledon, and he observed that the American player wasn't moving as well as she once used to. At the same time, he believes that she can still have a good run in New York.
"It depends on who she plays. Obviously, she could win a few rounds. I think the hard court is her best surface besides grass. But at Wimbledon, the movement wasn't there."
"She was very careful with her movement, she can stop and start better on the hard court if she gets a good draw and some confidence."
Although Macci warned that this Serena isn't the same Serena that won 23 Grand Slam titles, he also acknowledged that she's the greatest tennis player of all time, and she will certainly be capable of beating many players in the draw.
"Anything is possible, but this isn't the same Serena that we're used to seeing. It's not the young lady who won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 16 doubles Grand Slams."
"This is the greatest player ever to hold the racket. My opinion may be one of the greatest athletes ever, but this is a different version. She hasn't played a lot, little older, people are not afraid of her."
At the end of the day, Williams' result at the 2022 US Open likely won't matter in the grand scheme of things, and Macci recognized that too. She's the most successful woman in the history of tennis, and she changed the sport forever.
"She won her first Grand slam at the US Open and she's gonna end it at US Open. So I think it's an amazing way to end one of the most influential historic careers that we've seen by anybody, man or woman."
"But what she's done, transcended the sport and inspired others was incredible. But it doesn't matter if she wins or loses, she's gonna let everybody savor the moment and people love her because she displayed something."
