I’d like to work with Emma Raducanu

Rick Macci, an esteemed tennis coach known for guiding Serena Williams to greatness, is expressing interest in reviving Emma Raducanu’s career. Macci emphasized that in order for Raducanu to make real progress, she must exhibit hunger and belief. Since undergoing wrist and ankle surgeries, Raducanu has not played a match and is currently without a coach. Macci, who has famously coached tennis legends like Serena and Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, and Jennifer Capriati, is eager to bring his expertise to Raducanu’s game.

Speaking about the challenges Raducanu is facing, Macci remarked that she needs to be mentally and strategically stronger to cope with the pressures of professional tennis. He also highlighted the importance of dealing with media scrutiny and maintaining a “bulletproof” mentality. While acknowledging the difficulties Raducanu has faced, Macci believes that success at an early stage can transform a player, as seen in the case of Carlos Alcaraz.

Macci is optimistic that Raducanu’s time off the court could ultimately benefit her, comparing it to Naomi Osaka’s experience. Despite the setbacks, Macci sees a long-term potential in Raducanu’s career and emphasizes the importance of surrounding her with the right team. He also suggests that recovery from surgery and building confidence take time and believes that Raducanu’s youth is an advantage in this long-term process.

The coach’s comments come as Raducanu, who at one point was planning a return to the court in the New Year, recently withdrew from an exhibition event, signaling a delay in her playing schedule. However, sources indicate that Raducanu has begun serious hitting sessions and is using standard yellow balls for the first time, a sign of progress.

Despite these challenges, Macci believes that when Raducanu qualified and won the US Open at such a young age, it demonstrated her special abilities, with much of the game played “between the ears.” While Raducanu’s journey back to the top has been challenging, Macci remains committed to helping her navigate the complexities of professional tennis.

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Jessica Roberts

Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.