Emma Raducanu’s Serving Struggles: A Perspective from Serena Williams’ Former Coach
Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci has come to the defense of Emma Raducanu, stating that the reactions to her recent results have been exaggerated. Macci, who previously coached tennis icon Serena Williams, believes that Raducanu’s struggles with her serve can be addressed by thinking outside the box and seeking assistance from a biomechanics consultant.
Raducanu, currently ranked 56th in the world, suffered a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova in the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Open. This loss marked her third consecutive defeat, following earlier exits in the Singapore Open and the Australian Open. Throughout these matches, Raducanu has faced difficulties with her serve, which have hindered her performance.
In a post on X, Macci expressed his belief that Raducanu has the potential to return to the top 10 in the world rankings by making a shift in her mindset. He acknowledged that there has been an overreaction to her recent struggles, emphasizing the need for a fresh perspective on her game.
Macci suggested that Raducanu should consider working with a consultant who specializes in biomechanics to address the issues with her serve. He highlighted the importance of stimulating confidence, changing perspective, and developing a winning mindset. According to Macci, if Raducanu fails to make these adjustments, her results will continue to suffer.
Furthermore, Macci emphasized the significance of having a travel coach or buddy to provide support and a different set of eyes to analyze her serve. He stressed the need for a voice that can motivate and frame her game in a new light, working in collaboration with her existing coach. Macci believes that thinking outside the box and building a new approach will be crucial for Raducanu’s future success.
After her exit from the Australian Open, Raducanu’s coach, Nick Cavaday, decided to step down from his role in order to prioritize his own health. The pair had previously worked together during Raducanu’s childhood and had reunited in the 2021 season. Despite her recent coaching change, Raducanu worked with Croatian coach Roman Kelecic during the Abu Dhabi Open, with whom she had previously collaborated during her junior days.
Raducanu has expressed her intention to take her time in selecting a full-time coach, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit. She believes that this period of self-reflection will provide valuable insights into her own needs and preferences in a coach.
In conclusion, Rick Macci, renowned coach and former mentor to Serena Williams, has defended Emma Raducanu amid criticism of her recent performances. Macci believes that Raducanu’s struggles with her serve can be overcome through a shift in mindset and seeking specialized assistance. With the right guidance and a fresh perspective, Macci predicts that Raducanu has the talent to return to the top 10 in the world rankings. As Raducanu continues to navigate her career, finding the right coach and developing a winning mindset will be crucial factors in her future success.
