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Former University of Miami player Eric Hechtman has been coaching Serena and Venus Williams this year.

Hechtman is the tennis director at Royal Palm Tennis Club, a private club in Miami with a strong junior program.

Hechtman began working with Venus in 2019 and was hired by Serena earlier this year before she announced her plans to likely retire after the US Open, where she lost in the third round two weeks ago.

Hechtman was a three-year captain at Miami and helped lead the Hurricanes to a Big East Conference title, an ACC title and two NCAA tournament appearances. During his senior year in 2016, Miami finished the season ranked No. 9 after reaching the Round of 16 at the NCAA Championships.

Hechtman spoke with Harry Cicma about coaching the legendary sisters.

Cicma: What has been most rewarding about working with Venus and Serena Williams as their coach on the WTA Pro Tour?

Hechtman: It’s been an incredible journey with Venus and Serena throughout the last four months… The journey started at Wimbledon and I have had amazing memories with them. I’ve learned so much from them regarding what kind of champions they are and the work ethic that they bring every day. There's been times that I wake up and think, ‘Wow, is this really what I’m doing… Coaching two of the greatest athletes of all time… And it is reality.’ I wish that we could still be in the tournament right now and I think that she can still be there and winning these matches and the US Open. But she gave it her all and played incredible matches and it was a great experience.