Serena Williams' ex coach makes brutal Emma Raducanu dig despite calling Brit a 'top 10 player'

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 02/02/2025

- 14:53

Emma Raducanu is back in action this week in Abu Dhabi.

Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci has declared British star Emma Raducanu "100 per cent a top 10 player" whilst highlighting concerns about her coaching stability.

Macci, who previously coached Serena Williams, made his assessment in a series of posts on social media platform X.


"Emma is one hundred percent a top ten player," wrote the American coach. "Emma is a great ball striker. Mentally, Emma has been there done that."

The comments come as Raducanu recently parted ways with coach Nick Cavaday following her run to the third round of the 2025 Australian Open.

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu is back in action this week

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Cavaday, who had worked with Raducanu as a child before reuniting last season, confirmed it was his decision to step down.

"At this moment in time, it's important for me to spend some more time at home and prioritise getting back to full health, which is hard to do with the extensive calendar," said Cavaday.

Under his guidance, Raducanu had returned to the top 100, achieving a ranking inside the top 60.

Macci raised concerns about Raducanu's frequent coaching changes, noting she "has more coaches the past four years than titles."

The American coach suggested the British star "can beat anybody, anytime, anywhere including herself if she does not have the right proven voice and inner secret sauce".

He added: "She is too talented and proven not to be one of best in the world.

Rick Macci was Serena Williams' former coachRick Macci was Serena Williams' former coachGETTY

Although, Macci questioned whether there was "a burning desire" within the British No 2 to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Macci emphasised that Raducanu needs more than just a travelling coach to return to top form.

"She needs the right quarterback that understands the mental game and bulletproof confidence," he stated.

"She won a Grand Slam. She has been a top 10 player. She does not need a new travel coach/buddy."

The veteran coach insisted that "the right quarterback calling every play can get Raducanu back".

Macci's credentials include working with five world No 1 players: Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati and Andy Roddick.

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Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu is still without a permanent coach

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He has also coached Major champions Mary Pierce, Anastasia Myskina and Sofia Kenin.

In 2023, the 70-year-old expressed interest in coaching Raducanu herself, reaching out to her agent.

"I can help her team but I am not a travel coach," Macci posted on X. "If this young lady is mentally all in, I can help her win again and again."

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