“That made no sense”: Rick Macci questions Emma Raducanu’s biggest career decision after US Open triumph
WTAWednesday, 22 July 2026 at 02:30
Rick Macci believes Emma Raducanu’s decision to split with Andrew Richardson shortly after her historic US Open triumph in 2021 was one of the biggest turning points of her career.
The American coach, who worked with Serena Williams during her childhood years, questioned why the Briton moved away from the coach who guided her through one of the greatest Grand Slam runs in tennis history.
Raducanu shocked the tennis world in New York as an 18-year-old qualifier ranked No. 150, winning 10 matches without dropping a set to become the first player in history to win a Grand Slam title after coming through qualifying. Richardson was a key figure behind that incredible run, but their partnership ended shortly after the biggest victory of Raducanu’s career.
The Briton explained at the time that she wanted a more experienced coach to help her continue developing at the highest level. However, the decision started a turbulent period in her career, with Raducanu working with five different permanent coaches and several short-term options over the following years while searching for the right structure.
After years of changes, Raducanu eventually reunited with Richardson in May 2026, a move that immediately produced encouraging signs as she reached the Queen’s Club final in only her third tournament after their reunion.
However, her momentum was interrupted by injury, with a stress fracture forcing her to miss Wimbledon and now expected to keep her out of both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open as she focuses on returning for the US Open.
“That made no sense”: Rick Macci on Raducanu’s coaching changes
Speaking to Tennis365, Macci explained why he never understood Raducanu’s decision to move away from Richardson after her US Open triumph, suggesting that outside influences may have complicated the situation for a young player suddenly dealing with worldwide attention.
“Yeah, that made no sense back in the day, and I told everybody,” Macci said. “But when you get fame and fortune… I don’t know if it’s her decision at that age.”
Emma Raducanu won 10 consecutive matches during her campaign at Flushing Meadows. At 18, she became the first player to win a Grand Slam title after coming through qualifying.
The American coach believes that young players who achieve unexpected success can suddenly find themselves surrounded by many opinions, making important career decisions even more difficult. “You got agents involved, and you got parents involved, and they think the grass is greener… and it became a little more slippery,” he added.
Macci acknowledged that changing coaches can sometimes be the right move, depending on the situation and the person involved. However, he believes Raducanu’s case became unusual because of the number of changes that followed her breakthrough.
“It cuts both ways. Sometimes, a different voice can be good. It depends on who’s saying it. It’s such a tricky thing,” Macci explained. “On the pro tour, it’s not as much technical or reconstructive surgery. It’s a little more motivational and strategic.”
Raducanu returns to Richardson after years of changes
Following her US Open victory, Raducanu went through a long search for stability. The Briton worked with several coaches, including Dmitry Tursunov, Torben Beltz, Sebastian Sachs and Nick Cavaday, among others, as she tried to find the right formula to consistently compete at the highest level.
The constant changes became one of the biggest talking points surrounding her career, especially because the player who stunned the world in 2021 struggled to reproduce that level of consistency in the following seasons.
Her reunion with Richardson represented a return to the foundation that produced her greatest success. The early results were promising, with Raducanu reaching the Queen’s Club final shortly after joining forces again with the coach who helped guide her to the US Open title.
However, another setback arrived when she suffered a stress fracture in her right leg, forcing her to withdraw from Wimbledon. The injury will also prevent her from competing during the North American hard-court swing at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, leaving her main focus on making a full recovery ahead of the US Open.
For Macci, the solution is not necessarily another coaching change, but finding belief and stability within herself. “There’s no reason for her to flip the script and have so many different coaches. I never could figure that whole situation out,” he said. “But her best coach, who has all the answers, is the one in the mirror.”
Nearly five years after her unforgettable US Open breakthrough, Raducanu remains searching for the consistency that once made her one of tennis’ biggest stories. With Richardson back in her corner and another comeback ahead, the Briton now hopes stability can finally help her rebuild toward the level that made her a Grand Slam champion.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- This testing should have been done years ago as a prerequisite to competing in any male or female sport. Safety First -- Biology Rules!!
mandoist21-07-2026 - Poor Aaron has been so bothered, for so long, by this possibility of proving one is NOT a male in a female sport that his list of unproven, unsupported claims is laughable. Claiming "privacy" and "Rights" is nothing short of lame. I challenge Mr. Solomon to take advantage of his "Right" to take a punch from that Algerian "female" boxer (whom failed testing -- and subsequently continues to play the system). This is the one who has injured several female opponents. WTA should absolutely not receive any credit for this common sense ruling!!! They have finally been forced to do so by the IOC. Imagine, after far too many years and injuries by males hurting females, "gender equality" comes to the sport of tennis (females competing with genuine biological females).mandoist21-07-2026
- Hurry on back Carlos! We miss you!!Rapunzel17-07-2026
- Well done to the author of this article!! A meltdown is what Coco experienced at the US Open the year she was chirping at her box, very near to tears, double faults were in great supply and she simply could not get a handle on that match. THAT AP is a meltdown!!Rapunzel12-07-2026
- This sensible approach helped Muchova... and look where she will find herself tomorrow (Wimbledon Final). Iga's wise to escape... especially to Nature and so. The wilderness (forests, lakes, mountains) has been my "Church" and escape from The Noise since I was a kid. She'll do well in the end.mandoist10-07-2026
- "Like if it was hotter, I probably would have won, I'm not gonna lie." Geezus...mandoist08-07-2026
- This one has totally lost the plot. She is about to cross the racism line in her hatred for Russian people. NEWSFLASH DARLING -- Russian majority of citizens (and your ex-Colleagues whom you shamed) are not who you should be aiming at. Grow up.mandoist08-07-2026
- Why do all these "experts" feel the need to publicly "tell players" what they need to do, or what they're doing wrong?? How about this -- if you're so concerned with a player's situation actually take the time to contact the team in question and talk directly to them. Yapping in public media is rarely, if ever, helpful.mandoist07-07-2026
- Gee... preferential treatment all the way to the end? STOP IT WTA & WIMPLEDON !!! This entire WILLIAMS CHARADE is 100% unfair to young upcoming players who legitimately earned a shot at a Wildcard. The whole scenario with these freebies to The Williams' is pathetic and barely within the rules (which have been bent like a pretzel to accomodate them). The lamest excuse this time is "...she is a top draw". How does that apply to Wimbledon which is sold-out in advance? Stop enabling this abhorrent "Look at me" behavior. If they want to make believe they can compete -- LET THEM PLAY QUAILIFIERS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.mandoist06-07-2026
- Is it not clear there is a mental issue here? I mean, her judgement is very suspect given her personal life 'experiences'.mandoist06-07-2026
Loading