How To Raise Tennis Champions – King Richard Movie

Based on the true story that will inspire the world. Richard Williams, father of legendary tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, shows how family and perseverance can achieve the impossible and impact the world.

King Richard – The Movie

Now I admit I did read Richard Williams autobiography, “Black and White” a few years ago so I was super curious as a Tennis Parent, as to how the film was going to portray the epic journey the Williams family embarked on following Richard’s plan for his two girls to conquer the world of tennis! I am also a bit of a Will Smith fan so it seemed to be a sure bet for a good film!

As Tennis Parents I think we all have those big doubts in ourselves as to whether or not we can pull off that mighty plan of seeing our own child or children lifting a Grand Slam Trophy at some stage on their tennis journey! The question often is, “Do we believe it enough?” “Are we sowing seeds of doubts or seeds of Future Champions?”

From the movie, we saw Richard and Oracene were very disciplined with Venus and Serena. They were A-Students at school, hard-working, humble, focused, they were brought up with self-confidence, a sense of purpose and a winning mindset.

How can we apply the lessons learnt from this movie to our lives as Tennis Parents?

• Despite the overwhelming number of rejections Richard experienced, he never once gave up the dream of creating two World Champions. Are we willing to do the same?
• Are we taking our kids to play tournament after tournament on the Junior Circuit to build up experience for the Pro Circuit because it’s the done thing? Richard chose instead to focus on consistency in training, to avoid “Burn-Out” for his daughters, Venus and Serena, and he succeeded!
• Are we confident enough to believe our children can be champions to take them to the Top Coaches to mould them into World Class Tennis Players?
• Are we instilling enough self-belief in our kids? Are we equipping them to match this winning mindset?
• Are we united as parents to share the burden of grooming a Tennis Pro?

How To Raise Tennis Champions

Do we have the following qualities, as a Tennis Mum and/or Dad?

Are we determined, patient, do we love being a taxi driver, a P.A. organising tournament applications, accommodation, hiding in the bushes at tournaments, being a strength and conditioning trainer, a nutritionist, a psychologist, not to even mention the financial commitment and our day jobs/businesses to run, the list is endless….. but can we also keep smiling through the losses, pick up the pieces and start afresh the following day, every day? Do we have the strength of nerves and character to play that pivotal role in our child’s development of their future career, to nurture them and take them through the challenges of becoming a Tennis Champion or Champion in whatever field they choose? Have we got it? Do we really know how to raise tennis champions?

Even if the movie doesn’t portray the complete reality of how the Williams family created two champions, so far, this is the best family movie we have found on the subject.  Go watch it and let us know your thoughts. And if you are up for a great read that helps you really get to know the parents behind the Williams sisters, please do read Black and White: The Way I See It

The Film

Based on the true story that will inspire the world, “King Richard” follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons. “King Richard” is a profoundly moving film that shows the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.

Please do watch this film as a family.  As parents of Zoe and Alexander we really recommend it!  ENJOY!

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW – WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ABOUT BEING A TENNIS PARENT AND HOW TO RAISE TENNIS CHAMPIONS!