Emma Raducanu is one player who created high expectations about her career after her historic victory at the 2021 US Open as a qualifier. However, she has struggled to replicate the same achievements in the following two years. But her fans have been patiently waiting for her to rediscover her form on the tour. While most are sad about the former WTA World No.10’s fall, John McEnroe is worried about her journey back to the top.
Although McEnroe is worried about Raducanu, a famed coach compared her to Jennifer Capriati. Like Raducanu, Capriati suffered a major slump after experiencing considerable success. But Rick Macci, childhood coach of Venus and Serena Williams, remembers Capriati’s comeback, which might be plausible for Raducanu as well.
John McEnroe concerned for Emma Raducanu
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Raducanu is out of tour due to an injury sustained in April. Then surgeries on her wrists and left ankle further delayed her comeback plans. Many are now wondering what will become of her career with such a long hiatus after a slump. The ‘Superbrat’ recently stated his concern about Raducanu’s career.
John McEnroe, for a change, felt sympathetic for the former British number 1 in an interview with The Guardian. While he wants her to enjoy the process, her grand slam title makes her a prime focus of the fans. Therefore, Raducanu has a long journey back to the top.
He said, “You feel for her, you want her to be able to go out and enjoy the process, the journey that takes place. She’s won a major, which 99% of players or more can’t say, but you don’t want to be that one-hit wonder either. So this is going to be a long road back because she has to start over in a way.”
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McEnroe understands the journey Raducanu has to start now and believes it will be difficult. But Rick Macci is sure that she will rise to the top once again.
Similarities between Jennifer Capriati and the 2021 US Open champion
Macci noted connections between Capriati and Raducanu in the Tennis Unfiltered podcast. Jennifer Capriati rose to prominence as soon as she entered the WTA. But, like Raducanu, she experienced a big dip early in her career and had to go on a long hiatus. However, Capriati returned with full force and proved to be a challenge to the Williams sisters.
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Macci believes that Raducanu can come back in a similar manner. After witnessing the class of her game in 2021, the coach has complete faith in the British star. While everyone would love to watch her climb back to glory once again, we have to wait and see till the US Open commences.