Emma Raducanu is capable of being a Top 10 player again if she can rediscover her 'will' according to prominent American coach Rick Macci.
Raducanu made history at the 2021 US Open when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament. She did so by winning 10 straight matches and 20 sets. Among the greatest fairytale runs by an undercard, this was right at the top of the page.
Maintaining that free-swinging and carefree approach at your next tournaments is often the biggest hurdle for young players who have just realized their lifelong dream. For Raducanu, it was totally unexpected, but spectacular.
Her biggest obstacle has not been the baggage of pressure and dealing with expectations, it is her body. She has struggled mightily to stay fit since the bright lights shone on her in New York. In 2022, she retired from four matches and missed a few months during the season with injuries.
This year, things have been worse. There were indications that Raducanu was finding her best form in Indian Wells when she reached the fourth round stage. But she never played again after a first-round defeat in Stuttgart.
Raudcanu underwent double surgery on both hands and her ankle in April and only resumed training a few months ago. It was expected she would make a low-key return at the Macau Exhibition tournament in China next month.
But those plans have been chalked off after Raducanu announced her withdrawal ahead of schedule. Macci has not lost hope on Raducanu finding her feet again on the WTA tour and made a bold claim that she would be a Top 10 player by 2025 in a tweet on X.
"Was asked about @EmmaRaducanu during an interview. If she is Locked Loaded and ready to Launch mentally then she 100% can be in the top ten again by the end of 2025. You do not lose the Skill but you 100% need the Will."
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