Rick Macci Backs Emma Raducanu Amid Struggles, Urges ‘Out of the Box’ Thinking
Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci has come to the defense of Emma Raducanu, insisting that the scrutiny surrounding her results is an “overreaction on steroids.”
Macci, who previously coached Serena Williams, believes Raducanu has the talent to return to the top 10 but needs to adjust her perspective, mindset, and biomechanics—particularly her serve—to reach her full potential.
Raducanu’s Recent Struggles Continue
The 22-year-old Brit has faced a challenging start to 2025, suffering a third consecutive defeat at the Abu Dhabi Open, where she lost 6-3, 6-4 to Marketa Vondrousova in the opening round.
This latest setback follows early exits at the Singapore Open (losing to Cristina Bucsa) and the Australian Open (falling to Iga Swiatek in the third round). A delayed start to the season due to a back injury has only compounded her struggles, with her serve emerging as a major weakness in her first five matches of the year.
Macci: “Think Out of the Box”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Macci urged Raducanu to embrace outside-the-box thinking by bringing in a specialist consultant to help fix the biomechanical flaws in her serve.
“Everybody will call balls and strikes on how Emma does. Overreaction on steroids. When the person calling shots thinks out of the box with somebody who understands how to stimulate confidence, change perspective, and mindset, the results and top ten is on the horizon. She has the talent. If not, the sun will set the same way and lose sets.”
Macci also suggested that while a travel coach/buddy is helpful, Raducanu would benefit more from a fresh set of technical eyes:
“A different set of eyes to consult regarding the biomechanics of her serve, which is now disconnected. A voice to motivate/frame it up like she has never heard and work with her coach. If you do the same, you get the same. Think out of the box and even better, build a new one.”
Raducanu’s Coaching Uncertainty
Following her Australian Open exit, Raducanu parted ways with Nick Cavaday, her longtime coach, who stepped down for health reasons. While she reunited briefly with Croatian coach Roman Kelecic in Abu Dhabi, the former world No. 10 has made it clear that she won’t rush into a permanent coaching decision.
“I think that’s why I haven’t necessarily jumped into something straight away, because I want to make sure it’s the right fit,” Raducanu told The National.
“I’m using this time period to just figure out what I really value. I’m not too sure yet right now. I haven’t come to any plans or decisions. So yeah, I’m just taking it, using the next couple weeks to see how I feel, and then make a decision.”
As Raducanu navigates this transitional period, the pressure continues to mount. Will she take Macci’s advice and rethink her approach to coaching, technique, and mindset? Only time will tell.
