Venus Williams' coach reveals secret to training oldest US Open player
Share this @internewscast.com

Venus Williams served up plenty of history-making game this US Open.

The 45-year-old athlete entered the tournament as the most senior competitor in the past 40 years and spent much of her three weeks on the court outperforming opponents who were only half her age.

The key to coaching such a prominent athlete? Allowing her to lead, yet knowing when to advise her to rest, according to her coach, Diego Ayala, who spoke to The Post.

“When dealing with a player of Venus’s caliber and background, it’s crucial to understand what she needs from a coach and align with those expectations,” explained Ayala, 46, a professional trainer from Florida.

Although they’ve only partnered since June, under Ayala’s guidance, Williams became the second-oldest player to secure a WTA Tour-level victory in July.

When she competed at the US Open last month, she set a record as the oldest singles player there since 1981, only surpassed by Renee Richards, who was 47 back then.

At 45, Williams is nearly double the age of her competitors — studies indicate that the average age of top players is between 25 and 28.

That means her training might look a little light compared to the average player.

Williams spends up to three hours a day on the court between drills and scrimmaging — and a heavier emphasis on recovery.

“At times, I’d have to suggest, ‘Let’s ease up today. You’ve pushed hard for four consecutive days!’ I needed to dial her back a bit,” he mentioned.

Ayala claimed there was no “secret sauce” to leading Williams to her success, but indicated that the strong relationship they built together was a major asset.

The pair came up in the tennis world at the same time — though Williams and her sister, Serena, were mega stars who “transcended the sport.”

“At first, it was kind of strange, but at the same time, I think it helped us bond a little bit better and understand each other because we are from the same era. We got a lot of the same jokes and same perspective,” Ayala said.

“If you know your stuff and she recognizes it, then she’s gonna ask for more, and so once she started asking me for more, then I’m going to give her as much as I can of myself,” he continued.

“She has the mentality, she can improve everything, all the time. So I would tap into that and help her improve the things that she already knew she wanted to do. That’s kind of how our relationship worked, and it really clicked.”

When it came to Williams’ loss Tuesday, Ayala said she was taking it well — and that the pair left “no regrets” on the court.

“One of her goals was — especially for the Open — was to enjoy herself, to embrace the challenge and the competition. And she did that with a smile on her face. So that was awesome to see,” Ayala said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Sam Rivers, bass player for Limp Bizkit, has died at 48, the band says

Limp Bizkit Confirms Passing of Bassist Sam Rivers at Age 48

The world of metal music is mourning the loss of Sam Rivers,…
Former Catcher Jesús Montero dies after motorcycle crash

Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Former MLB Catcher Jesús Montero

According to The Seattle Times, Jesús Montero was tragically struck by a…
'Untold damage': Global assisted suicide movement targets children

Rising Concerns: Global Assisted Suicide Movement Sparks Debate Over Inclusion of Minors

In the spring of 2022, Canadian teenager Markus Schouten expressed a heartfelt…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declares Oct. 19 'Love Your Lungs Day' as doctors gather at McCormick Place for CHEST conference

Chicago Mayor Proclaims ‘Love Your Lungs Day’ on Oct. 19 Amid Major CHEST Conference at McCormick Place

Thousands of medical professionals have gathered in Chicago this weekend to focus…
Driver plows into child's birthday party in Maryland killing woman, injuring 13 others

Tragic Incident at Maryland Birthday Party: Vehicle Collision Claims Life and Injures 13

Tragedy struck at a child’s birthday celebration in Maryland on Saturday night…
JD Vance Challenges Dems to Denounce Mamdani Appearing With 1993 WTC Bombing 'Unindicted Co-Conspirator'

JD Vance Urges Democrats to Condemn Mamdani for Association with Controversial 1993 WTC Bombing Figure

As previously noted, Vice President JD Vance took the stage at Camp…
Israel strikes Gaza after it says Hamas attacked across ceasefire line

Israel Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Gaza Following Alleged Hamas Ceasefire Breach

Israel launched strikes on targets in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday…
Sharon Osbourne mourns death of beloved dog Elvis

Sharon Osbourne Heartbroken Over Loss of Cherished Dog Elvis

Sharon Osbourne recently mourned the passing of her beloved 14-year-old dog, Elvis,…
Shrapnel hit CHP vehicle during Marine Corps' Camp Pendleton live fire event with VP JD Vance in attendance, department says

CHP Vehicle Struck by Shrapnel During VP JD Vance’s Visit to Camp Pendleton Live Fire Exercise

In a dramatic turn of events at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, the…
NTSB shares early findings in crash that killed country songwriter Brett James

Breaking: NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Fatal Crash Involving Renowned Country Songwriter Brett James

A preliminary report has surfaced, shedding light on the tragic accident that…
Brunswick man charged with electronic child explotation

Brunswick Resident Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Electronic Child Exploitation Case

In a troubling development from Glynn County, Georgia, a 28-year-old man from…
NFL Week 8 odds, picks

Week 8 NFL Predictions: Expert Odds and Top Picks

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…