King Richard

A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams.

When Richard Williams saw Virginia Ruzici playing tennis on television, he decided his daughters would become the best tennis players the world had ever seen. It was the best decision of his life. King Richard tells the story of Richard’s plan to train his daughters, Venus and Serena, to achieve this dream.

Always sticking to his plan, Richard manages to find the girls a professional coach. The family can only afford training for one of the sisters, so Richard records Venus’ trainings for Serena to watch and practice at home with their mother. Both girls sign up for junior tournaments, although Serena does it without her parents’ knowledge. After meeting some agents, Richard fears Venus will not be treated right, and he withdraws her from any junior competitions.

Richard manages to contact coach Rick Macci, who signs both girls to his academy and relocates the entire family to Florida, while Richard’s condition is that they will only play matches when they turn professional. After three years of not playing competitively, Venus tells Rick she wants to turn pro, and she gets a wildcard for the Bank of the West Classic, effectively starting her professional tennis career.

The film was produced by Will Smith, with the Williams sisters as executive producers, and has earned multiple nominations for the Golden Globes this year, earning Will Smith the Best Actor- Drama Award.

Sabina Bonciu