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
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Ex-MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away Following Motorcycle Accident

CARACAS (AP) — Venezuelan Jesús Montero, who once graced the fields with…
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,…
Brandy and Monica Chicago news: Brandy walks off stage during United Center concert for 'The Boy Is Mine' tour

Brandy’s Unexpected Exit at United Center: ‘The Boy Is Mine’ Tour Takes Dramatic Turn in Chicago

CHICAGO—During a Saturday night performance at the United Center, acclaimed singer Brandy…
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…
Orionid Meteor Shower returns | What to know

Spectacular Orionid Meteor Shower 2023: Essential Viewing Tips and Peak Dates Revealed

Prepare to witness nature’s celestial display as the Orionid meteor shower returns…
South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access

Historic Breakthrough: South African Rowers of Color Make Waves at the Prestigious Charles Regatta

BOSTON (AP) — In a groundbreaking moment, a group of four rowers…
Shooting at Oklahoma State University residence hall leaves multiple victims

Multiple Injuries Reported in Oklahoma State University Dorm Shooting Incident

A shooting incident at an Oklahoma State University (OSU) dormitory resulted in…
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…
Jaguars fans rally at Culhane's despite London loss

Jaguars Fans Unite at Culhane’s After Tough London Match

Jaguars supporters flocked to Culhane’s Irish Pub, hoping for a victory, only…
Medicare costs are rising in 2026. Here's how to save during open enrollment

Unlock Savings: Navigate Rising Medicare Costs with Expert Tips for 2026 Open Enrollment

According to a recent survey by NerdWallet, nearly 64% of Americans are…
Louvre museum closed after robbery, French official says

Shocking Heist Forces Louvre Museum Closure: French Authorities Investigate

In an audacious heist, thieves infiltrated the Louvre museum in Paris, making…