“That made no sense”: Rick Macci questions Emma Raducanu’s biggest career decision after US Open triumph

Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at 02:30

Emma Raducanu returns to the US Open in 2025 after winning it in 2021

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.

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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 holding the US Open 2021 trophy

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.

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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.

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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.

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