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WTA star Emma Raducanu’s coaching saga faces another twist. Just when it seemed like the dust had settled, a new name was thrown into the hat- bringing in possibilities that might shake up her career trajectory. Amidst such, another esteemed personality has dropped a tempting hint, shedding light on a possible new partnership. Will Serena Williams’ childhood coach take over the baton to help Emma Raducanu reach her dreams?

Raducanu entered the court with a new spirit for the 2025 season. Although she withdrew from the ASB Classic due to a back problem, she progressed to the Slam’s third round with the help of her childhood mentor Nick Cavaday. Earlier, the Briton worked with Sebastian Sachs but their partnership came to an end in June 2023. In fact, since her Wimbledon run in 2021, Raducanu has worked with a host of coaches: Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Dmitry Tursunov, and Torben Beltz. In all this time, Cavaday’s mentorship lasted the longest.

Reflecting on her partnership with her childhood mentor, Raducanu said, “I’ve known Nick since I was 10 years old and he was helping me out the last week at the NTC [National Tennis Centre]. Before that the LTA helped me a ton.” Together they returned to the WTA Top 60. However, after 14 months, Cavaday left Raducanu’s team, stepping away citing personal reasons. Raducanu’s split from Cavaday fueled the curiosity about her next coach. And amidst the discussion, Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci dropped a bomb!

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The veteran coach took to his X platform to share that he was approached for mentoring the WTA star. “Was asked about helping Emma. If parents/team asked I would maybe guide/ help mold the mental /strategic and biomechanical part from here. I am too busy to travel but I could rewire the serve and mindset and help set the table to eat her way back into the top ten. @EmmaRaducanu,” Macci tweeted. Although the Williams sisters’ childhood coach left some wriggle space citing travel issues, his words announced to Raducanu supporters that he might fine-tune the player’s skills.

Macci might be mulling over coaching the Briton, but he once also criticized Raducanu’s decision to change coaches frequently. The veteran coach believed that lack of motivation had dimmed the WTA star’s brilliance.  Reflecting on this, Macci jokingly said, “She has more coaches the past 4 years than titles so maybe she should hire Emma to coach Emma.” Macci’s statement wasn’t purely sarcasm but a reminder for the WTA star who struggled with her form and fitness since clinching the 2021 US Open title as a wildcard.

Regardless, for the veteran coach, Emma Raducanu holds immense potential – and is someone who needs the right spark to dazzle again! He has long-observed Raducanu’s playing style and commented on her form as a positive critic. When the Briton exited the 2025 Singapore Open in the first round, Macci dissected Raducanu’s talent, proving that he still had faith in the Briton.

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Serena Williams’ childhood coach said Emma Raducanu is a “top player”

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Can Rick Macci's expertise reignite Emma Raducanu's career, or is she destined for more coaching chaos?

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Raducanu lost the Singapore Open’s first round to Cristina Bucsa in three sets 7-5, 5-7, 5-7. Despite leading the first set, she couldn’t hold her dominance in the next two. Reflecting on this loss, Macci dropped a powerful statement. He said, “Emma is one hundred percent a top ten player. Emma is a great ball striker. Mentally Emma has been there done that. Emma can beat anybody anytime anywhere including herself if she does not have the right proven voice and inner secret sauce. @EmmaRaducanu.” Macci’s words highlighted that Raducanu needed strong mentorship to get back to her Grand Slam-winning form.

He also advised Raducanu to work on her serve. Macci believed the Briton’s serve became disjointed and her back leg created improper loading because of forward pinpoint. “This will SLOW the body down then deaccelerate the racquet especially on second serve and deliver freebies,” Macci wrote. Well, by the looks of it, a classic Macci masterclass on biomechanics is already on the way.

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Rick Macci’s inclusion in Raducanu’s team might help the Briton with exclusive strategies. Given that Macci follows her game dilligently, he understands the areas where she needs improvement. If this partnership sees the light of day, the former British No. 1 might just offer a compelling fight to her opponents this season with Macci’s insights in her mind.

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Can Rick Macci's expertise reignite Emma Raducanu's career, or is she destined for more coaching chaos?

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