Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, is often remembered for his unwavering commitment to his daughters’ success. His tough love approach—steeped in discipline, sacrifice, and unyielding belief in his children’s potential—was integral to their rise to stardom. Yet, Richard’s parenting style was not just about pushing them on the court, but about instilling life lessons that would later make them not only formidable athletes but also strong, independent individuals.

One of the most striking aspects of Richard’s influence was his strict training regimen. Venus, in a recent interview, recalled how their father never allowed them to play defense, no matter the situation. “We were not allowed to play defense,” she said. “You couldn’t hurt us. We would just play offense no matter what.” Richard’s decision to instill this mindset transformed the game of tennis for both sisters. They didn’t just learn to play; they learned to dominate. His philosophy was clear: never let up, always be aggressive, and be the one in control of the game.

Rick Macci, their childhood coach, was a close witness to Richard’s unrelenting tactics. He often recounts how Richard didn’t believe in coddling his daughters. He never carried their bags, fetched their water, or even walked their dog. Instead, Richard taught them to own their responsibilities. “It was all about owning it, not renting it,” Macci explained. This mantra was about building character, strength, and resilience.

Richard’s approach wasn’t just about tennis; it was about life. He believed that for his daughters to succeed, they needed to be independent and strong-willed. “Richard never carried the girl’s bag, water, or dog,” Macci continued, emphasizing how Richard’s strict methods cultivated a tough mentality. And it wasn’t just in the moments of triumph that Richard’s influence was seen, but during the times of hardship too. He wanted Venus and Serena to never depend on anyone but themselves, a lesson that would serve them far beyond the tennis court.

But his discipline extended far beyond the training courts. Richard also faced enormous societal challenges. As two African-American girls in a predominantly white sport, Venus and Serena were frequently the target of racism and prejudice. Yet, Richard never allowed them to feel inferior. When people criticized or stared, he used to tell them, “They’re not used to seeing such beautiful people.” He wasn’t just their father; he was their protector, defending them against the prejudices of the world. One of the most striking examples of his courage was when gang members attacked him for standing his ground during a training session. They broke his jaw, nose, and some of his teeth, yet Richard never flinched. He took the beating so that his daughters could have the chance to achieve their dreams.

Richard’s protective nature was most famously on display during a live interview with Venus when she was just 14. Venus, as confident as she was, had just expressed her belief that she could defeat her opponent in an upcoming match. However, the journalist questioned her confidence, and in that moment, Richard intervened. His words to the journalist were blunt and protective: “You’re dealing with a little black kid, and let her be a kid. Leave that alone.” Richard knew the value of allowing Venus to express herself authentically, even when others didn’t understand it. His defense of her was not only a testament to his unwavering belief in his daughters but also his deep understanding of how society would scrutinize them.

Richard’s methods were, without question, harsh. He was tough on his daughters every day, challenging them, yelling at them, and pushing them beyond what they thought they could endure. But his methods were not without purpose. The hard lessons, the tough training sessions, and the battles they fought together shaped the women they are today. Venus and Serena are not just champions because of their natural talent but because of the fortitude and character their father instilled in them.

As Rick Macci reflects, “The world has never seen such a rough, tough mentality.” Richard Williams’ influence on Venus and Serena Williams transcended sports. It was about raising two women who would go on to break barriers, defy expectations, and become global icons in the process. While many might view his tactics as severe, the results speak for themselves. Richard’s tough love wasn’t just a strategy for success; it was a blueprint for life.

Richard Williams was not just the father of two tennis legends; he was a father who believed that greatness was earned through hardship, discipline, and the courage to fight for what you believe in. His legacy will forever be intertwined with that of Venus and Serena, whose careers continue to inspire and define excellence in sports.