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Described as an “emotional reckoning” featuring unaired interviews spanning the 1980s to the present day, Richard retraces his past “from the poverty-stricken streets of Shreveport, Louisiana, to the grass courts of Wimbledon.”

The documentary tells the tale of how he fought back against systemic and racial oppression and violence, “breaking every rule of the lily-white tennis establishment to forever change the sport.”

On The Line will premiere at the Sheffield DocFest in England on June 17, 18, and 19, and then in various markets around the world

Archive video shows Richard, now 81, talking about why he coached his girls from being children, revealing: “I thought I could live through my kids, and I thought I could make a million dollars.”

He goes on to explain he grew up in Louisana, saying: “All my life I had to be brave, I should have been dead by now,” as old footage shows racial tension in the US, protests, and devastating images of the KKK.

Director Stuart McClave exclusively told The U.S. Sun: “Mr. Williams has never given up a day in his life.

AGAINST THE ODDS
“He is one of the rare examples of someone who talks the talk and walks the walk. A father who knew that hard work and faith would be the ticket to success.

“His ability to visualize the future and enact a plan was crucial to the entire family breaking down the very real barriers of class and privilege in what was predominantly a wealthy, white sport. A sport he had to learn himself on the courts in Compton in order to teach it to his daughters.

“Many people might not have understood him back in the day. They might not have liked the way he talked, the jokes he made, and the proclamations he so confidently delivered to the media and tennis establishment.

“But he believed in Venus and Serena and knew that they had the strength, grit, determination, and talent to become the best in the world.”

Stuart added: “This documentary is about the dream fulfilled, and how Mr. Williams’ early life in the deep south shaped him into the visionary father and coach of two of the greatest athletes of our time.”

Richard narrates the majority of the documentary, filmed more than a year ago, describing how the family moved to Compton, California.

In the trailer, Serena and Venus can be seen as children heading out onto the court in unseen home movies and playing tennis games.