Since bursting onto the scene with a historic triumph at the 2021 US Open, Emma Raducanu’s career has not gone the way many had envisioned.
Raducanu became the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows five years ago, aged 18.
She was the youngest major champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004 and the first British woman to hoist a Grand Slam title since Virginia Wade in 1977.
Will Emma Raducanu ever win another Grand Slam title?
In the years that followed, Raducanu has failed to add to her title collection and has not made it past the fourth round of a major.
Injuries have played a big part in the 23-year-old’s struggles, but so did her decision to split from coach Andrew Richardson in 2021, suggests Serena Williams’ old coach Rick Macci.
Rick Macci reflects on Emma Raducanu’s coaching change in 2021
Richardson, who was recently rehired by Raducanu, parted ways with her not long after the 2021 US Open victory.
Explaining her reason for the decision at the time, Raducanu said she realised she needed someone with WTA Tour experience at the highest level.
“Yeah, that made no sense back in the day, and I told everybody,” stated Macci, reflecting on the split with Tennis 365.
“But when you get fame and fortune… I don’t know if it’s her decision at that age. You got agents involved, and you got parents involved — and they think the grass is greener, and it became a little more slippery.
Emma Raducanu should make Andy Murray her next coach
Do you think this is a possibility?
“It cuts both ways. Sometimes, a different voice can be good. It depends on who’s saying it. It’s such a tricky thing. It’s like Iga Swiatek, she went to [Rafael] Nadal, and these people are helping her on clay, and you can say, ‘Okay, well that didn’t work out too well.’
“Everybody’s a little different. On the pro tour, it’s not as much technical or reconstructive surgery. It’s a little more motivational and strategic.
“So, there’s no reason for her (Raducanu) to flip the script and have so many different coaches. I never could figure that whole situation out. But her best coach, who has all the answers, is the one in the mirror.”
Emma Raducanu’s results since rehiring Andrew Richardson
Raducanu reappointed Richardson ahead of Roland Garros, where she ultimately suffered a first-round exit.
But the Briton enjoyed a fantastic campaign with Richardson in her corner at the Queen’s Club Championships.
Raducanu reached the final of Queen’s, beating sixth seed Iva Jovic en route, overcoming the American convincingly in straight sets.
She was beaten by Donna Vekic in the final, despite almost forcing a decisive third set.
Raducanu has not played since then, however, having withdrawn from the Nottingham Open and the Wimbledon Championships.
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