The former coach of Serena Williams, Rick Macci, was full of praise for Novak Djokovic's stellar 2023 season in which he set numerous records.
Djokovic was in near-invincible form last year, winning the most singles titles of any player on the Atp Tour with seven. Of those, three were won at the Grand Slam level, and he was slightly unfortunate not to complete the Calendar Grand Slam by losing his lone major final at Wimbledon to Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serb dominated the field despite featuring in only 12 Atp tournaments. Djokovic scored the most Top 10 wins with 17 and became the first man to pick up 40 Masters 1000 crowns after triumphing in Cincinnati and Paris-Bercy in the second half of last season.
While Djokovic's year was stellar, Macci believes the 36-year-old did not receive enough acclaim for his efforts. For instance, Djokovic was snubbed from the Atp's end-of-season awards and denied millions...
Djokovic was in near-invincible form last year, winning the most singles titles of any player on the Atp Tour with seven. Of those, three were won at the Grand Slam level, and he was slightly unfortunate not to complete the Calendar Grand Slam by losing his lone major final at Wimbledon to Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serb dominated the field despite featuring in only 12 Atp tournaments. Djokovic scored the most Top 10 wins with 17 and became the first man to pick up 40 Masters 1000 crowns after triumphing in Cincinnati and Paris-Bercy in the second half of last season.
While Djokovic's year was stellar, Macci believes the 36-year-old did not receive enough acclaim for his efforts. For instance, Djokovic was snubbed from the Atp's end-of-season awards and denied millions...
- 1/1/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Even though most don't share her opinion, Rafael Nadal was backed for a Phoenix-like comeback by current player Daria Kasatkina.
Some prominent tennis names like Rick Macci think that Rafael Nadal won't be in contention to win the Grand Slams this year, and quite a few people think similarly. Some have high hopes that he'll find his best tennis at Roland Garros, but some actually think he'll be really good again.
One of those is Daria Kasatkina, who talked about Nadal in a recent interview with Telegra.ph backing him actually to have a really strong comeback. She grew up watching Nadal be a legendary player, so there might be some bias there, but are you really willing to discount him out?
I'm already happy that he’ll come back. It's amazing how he proves it every time. Everyone writes him off, but every time he comes back like a phoenix and wins something.
Some prominent tennis names like Rick Macci think that Rafael Nadal won't be in contention to win the Grand Slams this year, and quite a few people think similarly. Some have high hopes that he'll find his best tennis at Roland Garros, but some actually think he'll be really good again.
One of those is Daria Kasatkina, who talked about Nadal in a recent interview with Telegra.ph backing him actually to have a really strong comeback. She grew up watching Nadal be a legendary player, so there might be some bias there, but are you really willing to discount him out?
I'm already happy that he’ll come back. It's amazing how he proves it every time. Everyone writes him off, but every time he comes back like a phoenix and wins something.
- 12/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The former coach of Serena Williams, Rick Macci, is backing Jannik Sinner to become World No. 1 "someday" and reckons it will happen "sooner rather than later."
Macci, one of the world's most celebrated coaches in tennis, has taken a bird's-eye view of the proceedings of the men's tour this past season. Sinner has established himself as a potential Grand Slam contender and has enjoyed a stellar year across all levels.
The 22-year-old's rise wasn't as meteoric as some of his contemporaries, like Carlos Alcaraz, but as he said, he wasn't overly obsessed with what his rivals were achieving and instead focussed on his own path. Sinner has been right about this claim because he has done it at his pace.
In 2023, he scored 11 Top 10 wins, second only to Novak Djokovic, and won his first-ever Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open. The crown jewel of an excellent season was winning the Davis Cup for his country,...
Macci, one of the world's most celebrated coaches in tennis, has taken a bird's-eye view of the proceedings of the men's tour this past season. Sinner has established himself as a potential Grand Slam contender and has enjoyed a stellar year across all levels.
The 22-year-old's rise wasn't as meteoric as some of his contemporaries, like Carlos Alcaraz, but as he said, he wasn't overly obsessed with what his rivals were achieving and instead focussed on his own path. Sinner has been right about this claim because he has done it at his pace.
In 2023, he scored 11 Top 10 wins, second only to Novak Djokovic, and won his first-ever Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open. The crown jewel of an excellent season was winning the Davis Cup for his country,...
- 12/25/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Nick Kyrgios doesn't have a tennis coach, and according to former Serena Williams' coach, Rick Macci, he doesn't need one.
Nick Kyrgios didn't have a tennis coach for the longest time because he found the experience unsatisfactory. The Australian is a character who has a distinct way of doing things, and it clashes pretty regularly with what a regular tennis coach would want him to do.
He's been quite open about the way he does things, and it's not the typical way. He doesn't warm up for matches, he doesn't have a coach, and he doesn't really train as hard as some other tennis players, but his tremendous talent is good enough with the things he does to be one of the best players in the world.
At this point in his career, he won't change because it's been like this for a very long time. Rick Macci, who spoke exclusively to Tennis Infinity,...
Nick Kyrgios didn't have a tennis coach for the longest time because he found the experience unsatisfactory. The Australian is a character who has a distinct way of doing things, and it clashes pretty regularly with what a regular tennis coach would want him to do.
He's been quite open about the way he does things, and it's not the typical way. He doesn't warm up for matches, he doesn't have a coach, and he doesn't really train as hard as some other tennis players, but his tremendous talent is good enough with the things he does to be one of the best players in the world.
At this point in his career, he won't change because it's been like this for a very long time. Rick Macci, who spoke exclusively to Tennis Infinity,...
- 12/11/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff is a Grand Slam champion, but she wants to add more, something famed coach Rick Macci could see happening, but she'll need to improve.
The state of the Wta right now is quite interesting. On the one hand, there is Iga Swiatek, who is clearly above the rest of the field, but plenty of other players are capable of challenging.
Marketa Vondrousova won Wimbledon, Gauff won the US Open, and Aryna Sabalenka won the Australian Open. Despite being above the rest, the Pole didn't dominate the Grand Slam level, so it's pretty wide open right now.
There are several players capable of winning one, and Coco Gauff is certainly capable of doing so. She'll need to add to her game because other players are improving, and she's behind Swiatek in terms of experience.
That's why according to noted tennis coach, Rick Macci, the field right now is wide open,...
The state of the Wta right now is quite interesting. On the one hand, there is Iga Swiatek, who is clearly above the rest of the field, but plenty of other players are capable of challenging.
Marketa Vondrousova won Wimbledon, Gauff won the US Open, and Aryna Sabalenka won the Australian Open. Despite being above the rest, the Pole didn't dominate the Grand Slam level, so it's pretty wide open right now.
There are several players capable of winning one, and Coco Gauff is certainly capable of doing so. She'll need to add to her game because other players are improving, and she's behind Swiatek in terms of experience.
That's why according to noted tennis coach, Rick Macci, the field right now is wide open,...
- 12/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Emma Raducanu will come back to tennis shortly and noted tennis coach Rick Macci isn't ready to count her out from contention.
As a former Grand Slam champion, Emma Raducanu, at the very least, deserved the benefit of the doubt. She couldn't prove her qualities since winning the US Open but she also didn't have a really prolonged stretch of being quite healthy.
She suffered many smaller injuries, which kept her from truly finding her best tennis, and it was very unfortunate. When she did play and looked healthy, Raducanu looked pretty solid.
That sort of level is certainly something that many expect from her, which is why Macci is reluctant to really count her out from being a contender as he revealed in an exclusive interview with Tennis Infinity.
She certainly has a chance to become one of the better players right now, but she'll need to remain healthy and actually play well consistently.
As a former Grand Slam champion, Emma Raducanu, at the very least, deserved the benefit of the doubt. She couldn't prove her qualities since winning the US Open but she also didn't have a really prolonged stretch of being quite healthy.
She suffered many smaller injuries, which kept her from truly finding her best tennis, and it was very unfortunate. When she did play and looked healthy, Raducanu looked pretty solid.
That sort of level is certainly something that many expect from her, which is why Macci is reluctant to really count her out from being a contender as he revealed in an exclusive interview with Tennis Infinity.
She certainly has a chance to become one of the better players right now, but she'll need to remain healthy and actually play well consistently.
- 12/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz is known for his speed on the court, and according to noted tennis coach Rick Macci, he's the fastest player ever.
Tennis requires a lot of running around, and while it's not the most important skill, it certainly can help if you're a great mover on top of that. When you think about some of the best players in the world, a lot of them are very good movers because it's all about positions in tennis.
The best forehand in the world means very little if you can't properly set it up and unleash it. Carlos Alcaraz is both pretty quick and a really good mover on the court, which helps when he has to play on fast courts.
It certainly helps his level because some of the rallies that he's been able to win in the past few years were incredible. Quite a few of them actually were vital as well because,...
Tennis requires a lot of running around, and while it's not the most important skill, it certainly can help if you're a great mover on top of that. When you think about some of the best players in the world, a lot of them are very good movers because it's all about positions in tennis.
The best forehand in the world means very little if you can't properly set it up and unleash it. Carlos Alcaraz is both pretty quick and a really good mover on the court, which helps when he has to play on fast courts.
It certainly helps his level because some of the rallies that he's been able to win in the past few years were incredible. Quite a few of them actually were vital as well because,...
- 12/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Rafael Nadal is coming back to tennis, and he has some goals, but former Atp player Fabrice Santoro doesn't see him winning Roland Garros.
Rafael Nadal was never going to come back to tennis just to do a retirement Tour. The Spaniard is a very competitive player and is coming back to compete. Whether he'll be strong enough to compete for trophies remains to be seen, as Nadal is also skeptical about it.
To former player Fabrice Santoro, it looks like a fever dream. He's not the only one who expressed skepticism about Nadal winning Grand Slams. Famous coach Rick Macci doesn't believe that Nadal will be strong enough to challenge for the four majors, and to Santoro, who spoke to L'Equipe, it seems the same way.
If he wins Roland Garros, that’s superhuman, once again. But if he doesn’t win many matches, it’s anecdotal. When he comes back,...
Rafael Nadal was never going to come back to tennis just to do a retirement Tour. The Spaniard is a very competitive player and is coming back to compete. Whether he'll be strong enough to compete for trophies remains to be seen, as Nadal is also skeptical about it.
To former player Fabrice Santoro, it looks like a fever dream. He's not the only one who expressed skepticism about Nadal winning Grand Slams. Famous coach Rick Macci doesn't believe that Nadal will be strong enough to challenge for the four majors, and to Santoro, who spoke to L'Equipe, it seems the same way.
If he wins Roland Garros, that’s superhuman, once again. But if he doesn’t win many matches, it’s anecdotal. When he comes back,...
- 12/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Famed tennis coach Rick Macci thinks that Carlos Alcaraz will conquer all four Grand Slams as a tennis career is a marathon, not a sprint.
Nobody embodies that line from Rick Macci better than Novak Djokovic. Other players, such as Stan Wawrinka, proved it as well, but for the most, Novak Djokovic is the one. He is so great because he's outlasting all but time itself.
He didn't win too many Grand Slams early in his career, but as he matured and improved as a player, Djokovic simply took over. A 23-year-old Novak Djokovic had 1 Grand Slam in 2010.
A 29-year-old Federer had 16 Grand Slams at that time. A 24-year-old Rafael Nadal had 9 Grand Slams at that time.
Some five years later, 28-year-old Novak Djokovic had 10 Grand Slams, 34-year-old Roger Federer had 17 Grand Slams, while 29-year-old Rafael Nadal had 14 Grand Slams. Fast forward to now, the Serbian is at 24, Nadal ahs...
Nobody embodies that line from Rick Macci better than Novak Djokovic. Other players, such as Stan Wawrinka, proved it as well, but for the most, Novak Djokovic is the one. He is so great because he's outlasting all but time itself.
He didn't win too many Grand Slams early in his career, but as he matured and improved as a player, Djokovic simply took over. A 23-year-old Novak Djokovic had 1 Grand Slam in 2010.
A 29-year-old Federer had 16 Grand Slams at that time. A 24-year-old Rafael Nadal had 9 Grand Slams at that time.
Some five years later, 28-year-old Novak Djokovic had 10 Grand Slams, 34-year-old Roger Federer had 17 Grand Slams, while 29-year-old Rafael Nadal had 14 Grand Slams. Fast forward to now, the Serbian is at 24, Nadal ahs...
- 12/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Nick Kyrgios is one of the best players on the Atp Tour when fully healthy and motivated, but he's still yet to win a Grand Slam.
The Australian got very close to winning his first major at the 2022 Wimbledon, losing to Novak Djokovic in the final. His chance came many years after he played many spectacular battles against the likes of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.
Even recently, Kyrgios said that he wished he didn't have to deal with these legendary players, and with the permanent, or in some cases temporary, absence of these players from the Tour, the Australian should feel his chance.
At least according to the legendary coach Rick Macci, who spoke exclusively to Tennis Infinity. The American coach said that in the absence of the likes of Federer, Nadal, and Murray, Kyrgios just has to feel that "there's an opening."
"The one thing that should...
The Australian got very close to winning his first major at the 2022 Wimbledon, losing to Novak Djokovic in the final. His chance came many years after he played many spectacular battles against the likes of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.
Even recently, Kyrgios said that he wished he didn't have to deal with these legendary players, and with the permanent, or in some cases temporary, absence of these players from the Tour, the Australian should feel his chance.
At least according to the legendary coach Rick Macci, who spoke exclusively to Tennis Infinity. The American coach said that in the absence of the likes of Federer, Nadal, and Murray, Kyrgios just has to feel that "there's an opening."
"The one thing that should...
- 12/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz wants to be the greatest player ever, which could happen, but as famed coach Rick Macci noted, he first needs to get to ten Grand Slams.
Carlos Alcaraz is the most exciting talent to emerge in the last decade. We haven't seen a young player as good as him since Rafael Nadal, who was the last teenager, made such a dramatic impact.
While Novak Djokovic was really good early, his rise was a bit more slower. He won his maiden Grand Slam in Australia at age 20 and didn't win a second one until three years later.
Alcaraz is at two already and has some other milestones that push him ahead of Djokovic at this age. The Serbian would obviously go on to put together the most impressive tennis carer we've ever seen, something Alcaraz wants to emulate.
The talent is there; however, it's a very long process. First,...
Carlos Alcaraz is the most exciting talent to emerge in the last decade. We haven't seen a young player as good as him since Rafael Nadal, who was the last teenager, made such a dramatic impact.
While Novak Djokovic was really good early, his rise was a bit more slower. He won his maiden Grand Slam in Australia at age 20 and didn't win a second one until three years later.
Alcaraz is at two already and has some other milestones that push him ahead of Djokovic at this age. The Serbian would obviously go on to put together the most impressive tennis carer we've ever seen, something Alcaraz wants to emulate.
The talent is there; however, it's a very long process. First,...
- 12/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff is a very hard worker, and that's what's going to make her great, according to famous coach Rick Macci.
Macci has seen some big workers in his career, having coached Serena and Venus Williams, and some other prominent players such as Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick. He knows a hard worker when he sees one, and Gauff is certainly one of those.
It's always been like that and got her to where she is right now. Gauff didn't even take a lot of time off during the offseason, being already back in the lab working on her tennis.
Ultimately, being willing to put in the work matters most. The sport evolves, your competition evolves, and you will get overrun if you can't or won't keep up.
Macci has no worries when it comes to Gauff, as he revealed in an exclusive talk with Tennis Infinity, and it's why she's destined for greatness.
Macci has seen some big workers in his career, having coached Serena and Venus Williams, and some other prominent players such as Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick. He knows a hard worker when he sees one, and Gauff is certainly one of those.
It's always been like that and got her to where she is right now. Gauff didn't even take a lot of time off during the offseason, being already back in the lab working on her tennis.
Ultimately, being willing to put in the work matters most. The sport evolves, your competition evolves, and you will get overrun if you can't or won't keep up.
Macci has no worries when it comes to Gauff, as he revealed in an exclusive talk with Tennis Infinity, and it's why she's destined for greatness.
- 12/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz is one of the best players on the Atp Tour, yet, the end of his 2023 campaign was a disappointment to some.
After winning his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, the young Spanish prodigy didn't add any more titles to his collection, which was something else than many expected.
However, according to Rick Macci, who spoke exclusively to Tennis Infinity, the Spaniard's progress is gradual, and many moments during this season showed why he's such a good player.
For example, at Wimbledon, he had to escape multiple challenging situations, and in the end, he managed to beat Novak Djokovic in the final, which according to Macci, shows his greatness.
"As I said, three years ago, it's something the world hadn't seen. He's something, in my opinion, that is very unique. He never played that much on grass, and then he made some Houdini escapes at Wimbledon, and then...
After winning his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, the young Spanish prodigy didn't add any more titles to his collection, which was something else than many expected.
However, according to Rick Macci, who spoke exclusively to Tennis Infinity, the Spaniard's progress is gradual, and many moments during this season showed why he's such a good player.
For example, at Wimbledon, he had to escape multiple challenging situations, and in the end, he managed to beat Novak Djokovic in the final, which according to Macci, shows his greatness.
"As I said, three years ago, it's something the world hadn't seen. He's something, in my opinion, that is very unique. He never played that much on grass, and then he made some Houdini escapes at Wimbledon, and then...
- 12/3/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is returning to tennis, so what should we expect from the Spaniard in about a month?
The last time Rafael Nadal stood on a tennis court was earlier this year. We're closing up on a full 365 days since then but won't hit the mark because he will return before the calendar hits that 365th day.
Nadal finally confirmed his comeback with a sort of hype video posted on social media where he confirmed his comeback.
As reported a few days ago, Nadal will make his comeback at the Brisbane International, which will serve as a prep event for him. Having basically missed an entire year of tennis will make it hard for Nadal to find his best tennis quickly, which is what this preparation event is for.
It's still unlikely that he will find his best tennis so quickly, but Nadal should never be discounted. Remember...
The last time Rafael Nadal stood on a tennis court was earlier this year. We're closing up on a full 365 days since then but won't hit the mark because he will return before the calendar hits that 365th day.
Nadal finally confirmed his comeback with a sort of hype video posted on social media where he confirmed his comeback.
As reported a few days ago, Nadal will make his comeback at the Brisbane International, which will serve as a prep event for him. Having basically missed an entire year of tennis will make it hard for Nadal to find his best tennis quickly, which is what this preparation event is for.
It's still unlikely that he will find his best tennis so quickly, but Nadal should never be discounted. Remember...
- 12/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Renowned tennis coach Rick Macci sat down with Tennis Infinity for an exclusive interview, and the coach explained what he thinks will happen once Rafael Nadal comes back.
Rafael Nadal will make his comeback in 2024, with the most likely return event being the Brisbane International. That's according to a Spanish journalist who revealed Nadal's offseason plans recently.
The plan is to practice outdoors in Kuwait in early December, with a flight scheduled Down Under in the second half of the month.
The plans also have Nadal play at least one preparation event before the Australian Open, which makes sense because he hasn't played in a very long time and is getting some matches in before the major.
In an a recent exclusive interview with Tennis Infinity, Macci explained why Nadal is not a serious Grand Slam contender in his mind, at least in 2024.
As far as Rafa coming back,...
Rafael Nadal will make his comeback in 2024, with the most likely return event being the Brisbane International. That's according to a Spanish journalist who revealed Nadal's offseason plans recently.
The plan is to practice outdoors in Kuwait in early December, with a flight scheduled Down Under in the second half of the month.
The plans also have Nadal play at least one preparation event before the Australian Open, which makes sense because he hasn't played in a very long time and is getting some matches in before the major.
In an a recent exclusive interview with Tennis Infinity, Macci explained why Nadal is not a serious Grand Slam contender in his mind, at least in 2024.
As far as Rafa coming back,...
- 11/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff was proclaimed the next Serena Williams before even winning her first Grand Slam, and according to Serena's former coach Rick Macci, 'that's a jump.'
The comparisons were always difficult to back because everybody is an individual. Obviously, you can draw parallels between players, but it's a bit more complicated than that. Just because a certain player did something doesn't mean that another player will do the same thing even if they were directly inspired.
Coco Gauff broke out as a teenager at Wimbledon by beating Venus Williams. Comparisons started flying around immediately. The next this, the next that; top among them, the next Serena Williams.
As bold as that prediction was, you could kind of see it. Both broke out at an early age, even though Gauff still rejects comparisons to this day. As time passed, it became increasingly clear that the comparison was a bad one.
The comparisons were always difficult to back because everybody is an individual. Obviously, you can draw parallels between players, but it's a bit more complicated than that. Just because a certain player did something doesn't mean that another player will do the same thing even if they were directly inspired.
Coco Gauff broke out as a teenager at Wimbledon by beating Venus Williams. Comparisons started flying around immediately. The next this, the next that; top among them, the next Serena Williams.
As bold as that prediction was, you could kind of see it. Both broke out at an early age, even though Gauff still rejects comparisons to this day. As time passed, it became increasingly clear that the comparison was a bad one.
- 11/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic is currently the player with most Grand Slam titles won, and that's one of the reasons why famous tennis coach Rick Macci is not afraid to call him the greatest of all time.
Only recently, the Serbian superstar had 20 Grand Slam titles, while his main rival, Rafael Nadal, already had 22 in his collection. Fast forward to now, Djokovic has 24 majors, more than any of his rivals.
With the 2024 season right around the corner, renowned tennis coach, and former coach of sisters Serena and Venus Williams, Rick Macci, spoke exclusively to Tennis Infinity, sharing his views also about Novak Djokovic.
According to Macci, it's incredible to see Djokovic so motivated late in his career, and at the same time, he's not afraid to proclaim the Serbian the greatest of all time (Goat) since he trusts numbers.
"In my opinion, I judge everything with the eyeball test, and then the numbers.
Only recently, the Serbian superstar had 20 Grand Slam titles, while his main rival, Rafael Nadal, already had 22 in his collection. Fast forward to now, Djokovic has 24 majors, more than any of his rivals.
With the 2024 season right around the corner, renowned tennis coach, and former coach of sisters Serena and Venus Williams, Rick Macci, spoke exclusively to Tennis Infinity, sharing his views also about Novak Djokovic.
According to Macci, it's incredible to see Djokovic so motivated late in his career, and at the same time, he's not afraid to proclaim the Serbian the greatest of all time (Goat) since he trusts numbers.
"In my opinion, I judge everything with the eyeball test, and then the numbers.
- 11/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic may not need to compete anymore, according to legendary coach Rick Macci, but the fact that he chooses to gives him an advantage.
With 98 titles on the Atp Tour, out of which 24 are Grand Slam titles, 401 weeks as the world no. 1, and multiple other accolades, which could fill a whole book, Djokovic could easily retire anytime he wants, and even the Serbian said it.
Yet, he's still playing, and he's still winning. Obviously, his experience, which Djokovic wanted to capitalize on at the 2023 Atp Finals, plays a huge role but so does his motivation.
Ahead of the 2024 season, where the Serbian will defend three major titles, renowned coach Rick Macci spoke to Tennis Infinity in an exclusive interview, and as a big fan of Djokovic's success, the American coach was quick to identify the reasons for it.
"Well, I mean, that's why he is the Goat. He's checked more boxes than anybody,...
With 98 titles on the Atp Tour, out of which 24 are Grand Slam titles, 401 weeks as the world no. 1, and multiple other accolades, which could fill a whole book, Djokovic could easily retire anytime he wants, and even the Serbian said it.
Yet, he's still playing, and he's still winning. Obviously, his experience, which Djokovic wanted to capitalize on at the 2023 Atp Finals, plays a huge role but so does his motivation.
Ahead of the 2024 season, where the Serbian will defend three major titles, renowned coach Rick Macci spoke to Tennis Infinity in an exclusive interview, and as a big fan of Djokovic's success, the American coach was quick to identify the reasons for it.
"Well, I mean, that's why he is the Goat. He's checked more boxes than anybody,...
- 11/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Naomi Osaka is going to return to the Wta Tour in 2024, and everyone wonders how well she can do, and renowned tennis coach, Rick Macci, answered that question.
The Japanese player is one of the more successful tennis players in recent history, yet she struggled with her game before announcing her pregnancy early in 2023.
But with more than a year away from the tennis courts, Osaka will return to the competition at the 2024 Australian Open, and she's certainly capable of hurting the opposition, especially since she won the major in Melbourne twice already.
Previously, former Wta player Martina Navratilova warned Osaka not to go too fast on her comeback, and now, former coach of Serena Williams, Rick Macci, talked exclusively to Tennis Infinity, discussing the abilities of the former world no. 1 to come back.
According to Macci, it's important for Osaka to have the desire to fight on the tennis court,...
The Japanese player is one of the more successful tennis players in recent history, yet she struggled with her game before announcing her pregnancy early in 2023.
But with more than a year away from the tennis courts, Osaka will return to the competition at the 2024 Australian Open, and she's certainly capable of hurting the opposition, especially since she won the major in Melbourne twice already.
Previously, former Wta player Martina Navratilova warned Osaka not to go too fast on her comeback, and now, former coach of Serena Williams, Rick Macci, talked exclusively to Tennis Infinity, discussing the abilities of the former world no. 1 to come back.
According to Macci, it's important for Osaka to have the desire to fight on the tennis court,...
- 11/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff is one of the best tennis players on the Wta Tour, and with the 2024 season ahead, Rick Macci talked exclusively to Tennis Infinity about the teenager's potential.
While the youngster proved her potential multiple times during her young career, she certainly proved it on the biggest stage in 2023, when she won the US Open at Flushing Meadows.
Now, it's all about repeating that success and proving that she's got what it takes to win more majors in her career. Many expect her to get it done already in 2024, but that may not be a reality.
Gauff has always been one of the players that developed gradually, and certain elements of her game pushed her forward. Renowned tennis coach, Rick Macci, who spoke to us ahead of the 2024 season, praised her speed on the court, and confidently said that Gauff will win another Grand Slam in her career.
"She's quicker than quick,...
While the youngster proved her potential multiple times during her young career, she certainly proved it on the biggest stage in 2023, when she won the US Open at Flushing Meadows.
Now, it's all about repeating that success and proving that she's got what it takes to win more majors in her career. Many expect her to get it done already in 2024, but that may not be a reality.
Gauff has always been one of the players that developed gradually, and certain elements of her game pushed her forward. Renowned tennis coach, Rick Macci, who spoke to us ahead of the 2024 season, praised her speed on the court, and confidently said that Gauff will win another Grand Slam in her career.
"She's quicker than quick,...
- 11/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
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.
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.
- 11/25/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Emma Raducanu will come back in 2024 and noted tennis coach Rick Macci believes she should embrace the pressure.
Embracing the pressure hasn't been something Raducanu did much in the past as she kind of deflected. She has publicly said that she kind of wishes she never won the US Open which is an interesting thought, though, very explainable.
The amount of attention the win brought her certainly wasn't easy to deal with, but it makes sense. She did something that had never been done before in tennis and became a global superstar overnight. It's part of being great; there is just no way about it, which is why Macci thinks that she should want the pressure.
If she truly wants to be great and great for a very long time then she should really want the pressure and everything that comes with being great.
She should want pressure. You do...
Embracing the pressure hasn't been something Raducanu did much in the past as she kind of deflected. She has publicly said that she kind of wishes she never won the US Open which is an interesting thought, though, very explainable.
The amount of attention the win brought her certainly wasn't easy to deal with, but it makes sense. She did something that had never been done before in tennis and became a global superstar overnight. It's part of being great; there is just no way about it, which is why Macci thinks that she should want the pressure.
If she truly wants to be great and great for a very long time then she should really want the pressure and everything that comes with being great.
She should want pressure. You do...
- 11/25/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Venus Williams' former coach Rick Macci believes the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion will retire when she "wants to" as she prepares to rejoin the tour next season.
If she does hit the tennis courts in March for the Sunshine Swing as she admitted, it will be for a biology-defying 30th season on the Wta tour. Venus will be approaching 44 and you start to wonder whether she was actually serious about playing until 50.
In spite of mounting pressure from pundits and fans to call time on her glittering career, the older Williams sister is not burdened by outside noise. Venus has earned praise from her ex-coach Macci because of her dedication to her craft.
The 68-year-old American coach is the man credited for laying the groundwork for the Williams Sisters to tread the tennis career path back in 1991. It's not rocket science that with aging, players lose a lot of their natural physical power.
If she does hit the tennis courts in March for the Sunshine Swing as she admitted, it will be for a biology-defying 30th season on the Wta tour. Venus will be approaching 44 and you start to wonder whether she was actually serious about playing until 50.
In spite of mounting pressure from pundits and fans to call time on her glittering career, the older Williams sister is not burdened by outside noise. Venus has earned praise from her ex-coach Macci because of her dedication to her craft.
The 68-year-old American coach is the man credited for laying the groundwork for the Williams Sisters to tread the tennis career path back in 1991. It's not rocket science that with aging, players lose a lot of their natural physical power.
- 11/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Rick Macci recently commented on the career of her former protégé Serena Williams and opined that she would have won 30 Grand Slams had it not been for certain limiting factors.
Macci, a seven-time Uspta (United States Professional Tennis Association) national coach of the year, was an invited guest on Match Point Canada podcast and talked about a number of hot topics in tennis.
The 68-year-old celebrated American coach is a Master Professional of Uspta, which is among the largest organizations bestowed with the mandate to certify aspiring tennis coaches. During the episode, Macci felt that a lot of people underestimated Serena's talent.
He coached Serena and Venus during their tender years in 1991 until they turned professional in 1995. Macci asserts that Serena Williams "checked every box" when it came to mastering the court. And if it were not for injuries and her restricted schedule, then she could have won a lot more.
Macci, a seven-time Uspta (United States Professional Tennis Association) national coach of the year, was an invited guest on Match Point Canada podcast and talked about a number of hot topics in tennis.
The 68-year-old celebrated American coach is a Master Professional of Uspta, which is among the largest organizations bestowed with the mandate to certify aspiring tennis coaches. During the episode, Macci felt that a lot of people underestimated Serena's talent.
He coached Serena and Venus during their tender years in 1991 until they turned professional in 1995. Macci asserts that Serena Williams "checked every box" when it came to mastering the court. And if it were not for injuries and her restricted schedule, then she could have won a lot more.
- 11/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Rick Macci, the celebrated American coach who has worked with some of the sport's most iconic names, has made a bold claim regarding Carlos Alcaraz's tennis abilities.
Alcaraz has shot to prominence as tennis' newest superstar after winning two Grand Slams, four Masters 1000 titles, and touching the World No. 1 ranking while still being only 20. Recently, the Spaniard broke the Top 20 all-time list in career earnings, having amassed over $20 million.
Macci, who has previously coached at least five former No. 1s, including 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, highlighted Alcaraz's unpredictability on a tennis court as something we have never seen before, and opined that his drop shot is from "outer space."
The 68-year-old was speaking on an episode of Match Point Canada podcast where he drew parallels from some of the sport's greats and stated that Alcaraz is an amalgam of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andre Agassi all infused in one.
Alcaraz has shot to prominence as tennis' newest superstar after winning two Grand Slams, four Masters 1000 titles, and touching the World No. 1 ranking while still being only 20. Recently, the Spaniard broke the Top 20 all-time list in career earnings, having amassed over $20 million.
Macci, who has previously coached at least five former No. 1s, including 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, highlighted Alcaraz's unpredictability on a tennis court as something we have never seen before, and opined that his drop shot is from "outer space."
The 68-year-old was speaking on an episode of Match Point Canada podcast where he drew parallels from some of the sport's greats and stated that Alcaraz is an amalgam of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andre Agassi all infused in one.
- 11/22/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Serena Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci spoke about the secrets to Novak Djokovic's trophy-laden success in light of his record-breaking 2023 season.
Djokovic shattered numerous records this year and engraved his name in the history books. He won seven titles including three Grand Slams. It is the fourth time in his career he won three out of the four majors in a season - the first man to achieve this unprecedented feat.
Djokovic also accumulated prize money in eight figures for the ninth year. He ended 2023 earning the highest prize money of any player across both tours despite playing just 12 Atp events and became the first man to achieve at least an 80% win rate on all court environments on tour.
As Djokovic continues to conjure these odds-defying numbers, many athletes and coaches have tried to emulate what the Serbian has so successfully done behind the curtain to keep himself at the...
Djokovic shattered numerous records this year and engraved his name in the history books. He won seven titles including three Grand Slams. It is the fourth time in his career he won three out of the four majors in a season - the first man to achieve this unprecedented feat.
Djokovic also accumulated prize money in eight figures for the ninth year. He ended 2023 earning the highest prize money of any player across both tours despite playing just 12 Atp events and became the first man to achieve at least an 80% win rate on all court environments on tour.
As Djokovic continues to conjure these odds-defying numbers, many athletes and coaches have tried to emulate what the Serbian has so successfully done behind the curtain to keep himself at the...
- 11/22/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Respected tennis coach Rick Macci used to coach Serena Williams, so he's seen a fair share of excellent tennis players, but to him, Iga Swiatek on clay is something else.
We've known about Swiatek and clay ever since she, as a teenager, won the Covid Roland Garros that was played after the US Open. It was a stunning run with tremendous victories over players like Simona Halep en route to her maiden Grand Slam victory.
Fast forward a few years and Swiatek is up to three Roland Garros trophies, having won the event earlier this year, and she's even better now. The crucial part of her clay success is her consistency from the baseline as well as stellar movement.
Macci was a guest on the Match Point Canada tennis podcast, where he talked a bit about the Polish superstar.
Well, first off, Iga [Swiatek] has proven herself with four Slams, you know,...
We've known about Swiatek and clay ever since she, as a teenager, won the Covid Roland Garros that was played after the US Open. It was a stunning run with tremendous victories over players like Simona Halep en route to her maiden Grand Slam victory.
Fast forward a few years and Swiatek is up to three Roland Garros trophies, having won the event earlier this year, and she's even better now. The crucial part of her clay success is her consistency from the baseline as well as stellar movement.
Macci was a guest on the Match Point Canada tennis podcast, where he talked a bit about the Polish superstar.
Well, first off, Iga [Swiatek] has proven herself with four Slams, you know,...
- 11/22/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff won her maiden Grand Slam trophy this year, and according to the former coach of Serena Williams, Rick Macci, she'll win more in the future, but she's not Serena Williams.
Serena Williams is the greatest female tennis player of all time, so not being able to match that isn't such a huge surprise. Gauff doesn't even have to do it to become a legendary player in her own right and she certainly has the tools to do so.
We've seen what the best of Gauff can be earlier this year, and the scary thing is that that's not even her peak. She can and will become much better in the future, but the US Open run already proved she's one of the best players on the Wta Tour right now.
According to Macci, who talked on the Match Point Canada podcast, she's not on the level of Serena...
Serena Williams is the greatest female tennis player of all time, so not being able to match that isn't such a huge surprise. Gauff doesn't even have to do it to become a legendary player in her own right and she certainly has the tools to do so.
We've seen what the best of Gauff can be earlier this year, and the scary thing is that that's not even her peak. She can and will become much better in the future, but the US Open run already proved she's one of the best players on the Wta Tour right now.
According to Macci, who talked on the Match Point Canada podcast, she's not on the level of Serena...
- 11/22/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Naomi Osaka has what it takes to get back to the elite level in the Wta, according to tennis coach Rick Macci.
Osaka is gearing up for a return to the Wta tour in early 2024 following a period of intense training. Moreover, the four-time Grand Slam champion recently announced that she would be making her comeback at the 2024 Brisbane Open, most likely with the view of practicing ahead of next year's Australian Open.
There has been plenty of positivity about the 26-year-old's long-awaited return after she has been absent from the courts for over a year. While Osaka has a long road back to reclaiming number one status, coach Macci said on his official Twitter channel the two-time Australian Open winner has what it takes to get to the top again.
"Was asked again if I still think @Naomiosaka can be top ten by the end of the year. 100%. Once...
Osaka is gearing up for a return to the Wta tour in early 2024 following a period of intense training. Moreover, the four-time Grand Slam champion recently announced that she would be making her comeback at the 2024 Brisbane Open, most likely with the view of practicing ahead of next year's Australian Open.
There has been plenty of positivity about the 26-year-old's long-awaited return after she has been absent from the courts for over a year. While Osaka has a long road back to reclaiming number one status, coach Macci said on his official Twitter channel the two-time Australian Open winner has what it takes to get to the top again.
"Was asked again if I still think @Naomiosaka can be top ten by the end of the year. 100%. Once...
- 11/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Rick Macci possesses one of the sharpest minds in tennis and when he recently tweeted his thoughts about the Big 3, he made a statement befitting each player's strengths.
Greatness in tennis is affiliated with an elite band of tennis players. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are often held in high estimation and considered the greatest to ever play the game, having won a staggering total of trophies and dominated the sport unlike any other era in tennis.
For many years the question of who is the greatest tennis player in history has resulted in dissension between rival fans. But since Federer's retirement in 2022, and Nadal looking likely to follow suit next year, it has left Novak Djokovic as potentially the last man standing of the famed trio.
That discourse on who is the Goat appears to have unanimous declaration from almost all quarters and Djokovic's name is on everyone's lips.
Greatness in tennis is affiliated with an elite band of tennis players. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are often held in high estimation and considered the greatest to ever play the game, having won a staggering total of trophies and dominated the sport unlike any other era in tennis.
For many years the question of who is the greatest tennis player in history has resulted in dissension between rival fans. But since Federer's retirement in 2022, and Nadal looking likely to follow suit next year, it has left Novak Djokovic as potentially the last man standing of the famed trio.
That discourse on who is the Goat appears to have unanimous declaration from almost all quarters and Djokovic's name is on everyone's lips.
- 11/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz is one of the most, if not the most, talented guys on the Atp Tour, and his success has roots in his coaching early on, according to Rick Macci.
The young Spaniard seemingly has every shot possible in his repertoire, and while he uses some more than the other, there's one shot that everyone is talking about, and that's his incredible drop shot.
It almost seems that since Alcaraz started playing drop shot, everyone started using it more , and that's why renowned coach Rick Macci previously called him the "leader in the clubhouse."
Recently, the American coach talked to Tennis-Infinity.com about the 2023 Wimbledon champion, who according to him checks every box.
"I've been wrong a few times, but I've been right a lot. But this Alcaraz guy, we've never seen anything like this from A to Z. Mentally, physically, technically, every box is checked. There's a little...
The young Spaniard seemingly has every shot possible in his repertoire, and while he uses some more than the other, there's one shot that everyone is talking about, and that's his incredible drop shot.
It almost seems that since Alcaraz started playing drop shot, everyone started using it more , and that's why renowned coach Rick Macci previously called him the "leader in the clubhouse."
Recently, the American coach talked to Tennis-Infinity.com about the 2023 Wimbledon champion, who according to him checks every box.
"I've been wrong a few times, but I've been right a lot. But this Alcaraz guy, we've never seen anything like this from A to Z. Mentally, physically, technically, every box is checked. There's a little...
- 10/17/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ben Shelton is certainly one of the better players on the Atp Tour and he's only going to get better according to Rick Macci.
Rick Macci has seen a lot of tennis talents, and he coached quite a few of them. The man who helped Serena Williams become what she became is keeping an eye on tennis even if he's not a traveling coach.
He counts himself among fans of Ben Shelton, a superb player who is getting better by the minute. His tremendous run at the US Open secured him a Top 20 breakout , and he's certainly not going to stop there.
Some good showings in the Laver Cup and a good run at the Shanghai Masters prove that the future is bright.
Macci spoke about Shelton recently, calling him a pitbull who will be among the best players in the coming years singling out his serve as his major...
Rick Macci has seen a lot of tennis talents, and he coached quite a few of them. The man who helped Serena Williams become what she became is keeping an eye on tennis even if he's not a traveling coach.
He counts himself among fans of Ben Shelton, a superb player who is getting better by the minute. His tremendous run at the US Open secured him a Top 20 breakout , and he's certainly not going to stop there.
Some good showings in the Laver Cup and a good run at the Shanghai Masters prove that the future is bright.
Macci spoke about Shelton recently, calling him a pitbull who will be among the best players in the coming years singling out his serve as his major...
- 10/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz 's latest defeat at the Shanghai Masters is just a minor stumbling block to greatness, according to Serena Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci.
The 68-year-old is invariably outspoken and full of praise for the 20-year-old since his breakthrough season on the Atp Tour in 2022. Alcaraz has enjoyed another stellar season this year, adding a second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon by defeating Novak Djokovic in five sets.
But it hasn't all been rosy for the Spanish sensation who Macci thinks is a complete player . The veteran coach's track record at the top level speaks for itself, and his opinions on tennis do give a reader some valuable insight.
Alcaraz was a firm favorite to pass Novak Djokovic in the year-end race for the No. 1 ranking at this year's Asian swing. The Serbian was taking a leave of absence after winning his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
The 68-year-old is invariably outspoken and full of praise for the 20-year-old since his breakthrough season on the Atp Tour in 2022. Alcaraz has enjoyed another stellar season this year, adding a second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon by defeating Novak Djokovic in five sets.
But it hasn't all been rosy for the Spanish sensation who Macci thinks is a complete player . The veteran coach's track record at the top level speaks for itself, and his opinions on tennis do give a reader some valuable insight.
Alcaraz was a firm favorite to pass Novak Djokovic in the year-end race for the No. 1 ranking at this year's Asian swing. The Serbian was taking a leave of absence after winning his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
- 10/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Not many would put Sebastian Korda in the same sentence as Carlos Alcaraz , Jannik Sinner , and Holger Rune , but the American hopes to prove himself worthy of being named among them.
Sebastian Korda is a super-talented player whom legendary coach Rick Macci considers a future Grand Slam winner. He carries the gene as his father was a former player who has a Grand Slam trophy in his cabinet.
He's yet to unleash his potential fully, but he's shown it multiple times. Two of those times came against Daniil Medvedev this year , as he bested him in Melbourne earlier in the year and also recently at the Shanghai Masters .
Those are the types of performances fans want to see from him consistently, and he'd like to deliver that, but a few things need to go right for him. Mostly, it's staying healthy because he's not been very healthy lately but is finally looking good and,...
Sebastian Korda is a super-talented player whom legendary coach Rick Macci considers a future Grand Slam winner. He carries the gene as his father was a former player who has a Grand Slam trophy in his cabinet.
He's yet to unleash his potential fully, but he's shown it multiple times. Two of those times came against Daniil Medvedev this year , as he bested him in Melbourne earlier in the year and also recently at the Shanghai Masters .
Those are the types of performances fans want to see from him consistently, and he'd like to deliver that, but a few things need to go right for him. Mostly, it's staying healthy because he's not been very healthy lately but is finally looking good and,...
- 10/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The former coach of Serena Williams, Rick Macci, believes that the painful US Open loss is good for Carlos Alcaraz .
Carlos Alcaraz hasn't had too many painful losses in his career because, most of the time, he's the one inflicting one. The Spaniard endured a couple of those this year, and dealing with it has been a learning process.
He lost to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros, though not because he played badly. He dealt with cramps, which was incredibly frustrating for a youngster taking on a player a decade older than him. He promised to do better next time and delivered in the Wimbledon final by beating Novak Djokovic to win his second Grand Slam trophy.
The second painful loss came at the US Open recently. Everybody expected him to best Daniil Medvedev and set up the final against Djokovic, but it didn't happen as he lost the match,...
Carlos Alcaraz hasn't had too many painful losses in his career because, most of the time, he's the one inflicting one. The Spaniard endured a couple of those this year, and dealing with it has been a learning process.
He lost to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros, though not because he played badly. He dealt with cramps, which was incredibly frustrating for a youngster taking on a player a decade older than him. He promised to do better next time and delivered in the Wimbledon final by beating Novak Djokovic to win his second Grand Slam trophy.
The second painful loss came at the US Open recently. Everybody expected him to best Daniil Medvedev and set up the final against Djokovic, but it didn't happen as he lost the match,...
- 9/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Sofia Kenin hasn't had too much success lately, but she's been on a tear recently with amazing performances in San Diego and at the 2023 Guadalajara Open .
As a former Grand Slam champion, Sofia Kenin has very little to prove as a tennis player, but she's a brutal competitor, according to noted tennis coach Rick Macci , so she was never going to 'fade' into irrelevance.
There has been a lot of heartbreak for the American in recent years, with many injury problems preventing her from playing regularly on the Wta Tour. As tennis is a sport of continuity, it saw her fall behind watching some other players turning the spotlight onto themselves.
Kenin didn't mind and kept working towards a return, and she's finally seeing the hard work pay off. After foreshadowing a surge at Wimbledon by beating Coco Gauff , Kenin finally broke through at the San Diego Open, advancing to the final.
As a former Grand Slam champion, Sofia Kenin has very little to prove as a tennis player, but she's a brutal competitor, according to noted tennis coach Rick Macci , so she was never going to 'fade' into irrelevance.
There has been a lot of heartbreak for the American in recent years, with many injury problems preventing her from playing regularly on the Wta Tour. As tennis is a sport of continuity, it saw her fall behind watching some other players turning the spotlight onto themselves.
Kenin didn't mind and kept working towards a return, and she's finally seeing the hard work pay off. After foreshadowing a surge at Wimbledon by beating Coco Gauff , Kenin finally broke through at the San Diego Open, advancing to the final.
- 9/22/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Rick Macci is one of the people who knows Serena Williams ' tennis journey the best, and he spoke about it recently.
The noted coach worked with many great players, such as Andy Roddick and both Serena Williams and Venus Williams. He watched the sisters blossom into one of the best players to ever hold a racquet, and he had something to do with it.
His coaching pedigree is still widely respected, with Coco Gauff naming him as one of the people she might work with to 'fix' her forehand . The legendary American coach was contacted by the Atp for an interview and shared some interesting facts about Serena Williams when she was much younger. According to Macci, Williams wasn't that good at ten but had all that was needed to become great.
When she was 10, Serena wasn’t that good. I had 10,000 parents look at that video and say...
The noted coach worked with many great players, such as Andy Roddick and both Serena Williams and Venus Williams. He watched the sisters blossom into one of the best players to ever hold a racquet, and he had something to do with it.
His coaching pedigree is still widely respected, with Coco Gauff naming him as one of the people she might work with to 'fix' her forehand . The legendary American coach was contacted by the Atp for an interview and shared some interesting facts about Serena Williams when she was much younger. According to Macci, Williams wasn't that good at ten but had all that was needed to become great.
When she was 10, Serena wasn’t that good. I had 10,000 parents look at that video and say...
- 9/20/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff has earned many praises ahead of the 2023 US Open , including from fellow colleague Ons Jabeur , who is happy about her improved career.
Gauff is a relatively well-known player on the Wta Tour and is quite respected as well. The same could be said for Ons Jabeur, who is probably one of the most popular players on Tour among her colleagues. Well, it was Ons Jabeur who showered Gauff with praise ahead of the US Open.
Praise was well deserved as the American recently produced some of her best tennis to win two big trophies. The Citi Open started it, and she finished the job at the Cincinnati Masters recently . It was impressive to see, and Jabeur is happy for Gauff.
Very happy for her that she won in Cincinnati. I don't think a lot of thing changed in her tennis. Everybody always have talked about her forehand. I...
Gauff is a relatively well-known player on the Wta Tour and is quite respected as well. The same could be said for Ons Jabeur, who is probably one of the most popular players on Tour among her colleagues. Well, it was Ons Jabeur who showered Gauff with praise ahead of the US Open.
Praise was well deserved as the American recently produced some of her best tennis to win two big trophies. The Citi Open started it, and she finished the job at the Cincinnati Masters recently . It was impressive to see, and Jabeur is happy for Gauff.
Very happy for her that she won in Cincinnati. I don't think a lot of thing changed in her tennis. Everybody always have talked about her forehand. I...
- 8/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Emma Raducanu achieved something that has never been done before, and according to coach Rick Macci, it was not a fluke.
Winning a Grand Slam title is difficult, winning a Grand Slam title unseeded is even more difficult, as there’s a chance you would have to play the world no. 1 or similarly ranked player early on. But winning a Grand Slam title as a qualifier, while winning ten matches over almost three weeks, seems to be almost impossible.
And it was impossible for many, many years. But then, Emma Raducanu proved to everyone that it can be done, and her career has skyrocketed as she suddenly became one of the brightest stars on the Wta Tour.
Yet, the Brit has been struggling with injuries recently , and in relation to that, also her form. The seven-time Uspta Coach of the Year, Rick Macci, talked to Tennis-Infinity.com , and according to him,...
Winning a Grand Slam title is difficult, winning a Grand Slam title unseeded is even more difficult, as there’s a chance you would have to play the world no. 1 or similarly ranked player early on. But winning a Grand Slam title as a qualifier, while winning ten matches over almost three weeks, seems to be almost impossible.
And it was impossible for many, many years. But then, Emma Raducanu proved to everyone that it can be done, and her career has skyrocketed as she suddenly became one of the brightest stars on the Wta Tour.
Yet, the Brit has been struggling with injuries recently , and in relation to that, also her form. The seven-time Uspta Coach of the Year, Rick Macci, talked to Tennis-Infinity.com , and according to him,...
- 8/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek is still the top-ranked player on the Wta Tour, and according to Rick Macci, her level is also above everyone else.
Still only 22-year-old Pole is doing things we haven’t seen for quite some time in the women’s game. She’s winning the vast majority of the matches that she plays , and not just like that, but almost every time, Swiatek wins in a dominant style, which we haven’t seen probably since Serena Williams.
Many stats back her, as almost every month, it seems that the four-time Grand Slam champion breaks some record that has been standing since the legendary American set it. Early in her career, Williams was coached by renowned coach Rick Macci, and in an interview with Tennis-Infinity.com , the American coach talked about the player that is now matching or beating her records .
“Yeah, I feel it's Iga and then the rest,...
Still only 22-year-old Pole is doing things we haven’t seen for quite some time in the women’s game. She’s winning the vast majority of the matches that she plays , and not just like that, but almost every time, Swiatek wins in a dominant style, which we haven’t seen probably since Serena Williams.
Many stats back her, as almost every month, it seems that the four-time Grand Slam champion breaks some record that has been standing since the legendary American set it. Early in her career, Williams was coached by renowned coach Rick Macci, and in an interview with Tennis-Infinity.com , the American coach talked about the player that is now matching or beating her records .
“Yeah, I feel it's Iga and then the rest,...
- 8/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Naomi Osaka has been away from the tennis courts for quite some time, but once she returns, she’ll be a force to be reckoned with, according to coach Rick Macci.
Becoming a parent during a professional tennis career has always been more difficult for women than for men. Therefore, many players waited with pregnancy until their playing days were over, but in recent years, many also showed that it’s possible to have a baby and still return to the Wta Tour.
One of those players is certainly Elina Svitolina, who has been playing sensational tennis since coming back only recently . Moreover, Caroline Wozniacki joined her after she came out of retirement , and now, we’ll have another mother on the Wta Tour, as Naomi Osaka is expected to make her comeback in 2024.
Experienced coach Rick Macci talked to Tennis-Infinity.com about the Japanese player, and despite ‘everybody writing...
Becoming a parent during a professional tennis career has always been more difficult for women than for men. Therefore, many players waited with pregnancy until their playing days were over, but in recent years, many also showed that it’s possible to have a baby and still return to the Wta Tour.
One of those players is certainly Elina Svitolina, who has been playing sensational tennis since coming back only recently . Moreover, Caroline Wozniacki joined her after she came out of retirement , and now, we’ll have another mother on the Wta Tour, as Naomi Osaka is expected to make her comeback in 2024.
Experienced coach Rick Macci talked to Tennis-Infinity.com about the Japanese player, and despite ‘everybody writing...
- 8/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Legendary tennis coach, Rick Macci shared his thoughts about Nick Kyrgios and his success in the 2022 Atp season.
Over the course of his career, the talented Australian proved multiple times that he's capable of playing on the highest level and winning the biggest matches. In 2022, he proved it once again, but this time, he made it to the Wimbledon final .
After that, Kyrgios was able to win the Citi Open in Washington , and he even had his best-ever run at Flushing Meadows, reaching the 2022 US Open quarterfinals. One year later, the 28-year-old can't prove his qualities again, because of health problems.
However, the seven-time Uspta Coach of the Year, Rick Macci, doesn't need to see Kyrgios on the court to know that what we saw in 2022 was his real ability. Speaking exclusively to Tennis-Infinity.com , the American coach talked about the talented Australian.
"I don't think it was a one-hit wonder.
Over the course of his career, the talented Australian proved multiple times that he's capable of playing on the highest level and winning the biggest matches. In 2022, he proved it once again, but this time, he made it to the Wimbledon final .
After that, Kyrgios was able to win the Citi Open in Washington , and he even had his best-ever run at Flushing Meadows, reaching the 2022 US Open quarterfinals. One year later, the 28-year-old can't prove his qualities again, because of health problems.
However, the seven-time Uspta Coach of the Year, Rick Macci, doesn't need to see Kyrgios on the court to know that what we saw in 2022 was his real ability. Speaking exclusively to Tennis-Infinity.com , the American coach talked about the talented Australian.
"I don't think it was a one-hit wonder.
- 8/7/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Andy Murray doesn't think that writing off Novak Djokovic is smart, even with the Wimbledon result and Carlos Alcaraz 's rise.
Tennis is a very fast-paced sport which means that things change all the time. Rallies change in an instant, rankings change in an instant, but some things do remain constant. Novak Djokovic being very good at tennis has been a constant for well over a decade now, and that's still the case.
Yes, Carlos Alcaraz outplayed him to win Wimbledon , but that doesn't mean he'll beat him every time they meet on the Atp Tour. If you don't believe it, take it from Rick Macci, who told us exactly that in an exclusive interview .
To think that he can would be foolish, and Andy Murray cautions against writing off Djokovic after the Wimbledon loss. If anything, he's going to come out even more motivated than before wanting to prove the world wrong.
Tennis is a very fast-paced sport which means that things change all the time. Rallies change in an instant, rankings change in an instant, but some things do remain constant. Novak Djokovic being very good at tennis has been a constant for well over a decade now, and that's still the case.
Yes, Carlos Alcaraz outplayed him to win Wimbledon , but that doesn't mean he'll beat him every time they meet on the Atp Tour. If you don't believe it, take it from Rick Macci, who told us exactly that in an exclusive interview .
To think that he can would be foolish, and Andy Murray cautions against writing off Djokovic after the Wimbledon loss. If anything, he's going to come out even more motivated than before wanting to prove the world wrong.
- 8/6/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff emerged as a tennis phenom which brought a lot of expectations onto her shoulders at a young age.
Those expectations are something she embraces as she wants to do well, she wants to win Grand Slams and break records. That's fine and normal, but actually doing it is a totally different thing. It's something she's yet to achieve, which caused some to lose belief in her even though she came close by making her way to a final last year at Roland Garros.
A pro on the Wta Tour for a few years now, Gauff talked about the early expectations put on her due to her early breakout during her most recent run in Washington. She's currently embracing the process of just getting better and working towards her goals, as she admitted at the 2023 Citi Open .
I think it's because a lot of people expected, you know, a...
Those expectations are something she embraces as she wants to do well, she wants to win Grand Slams and break records. That's fine and normal, but actually doing it is a totally different thing. It's something she's yet to achieve, which caused some to lose belief in her even though she came close by making her way to a final last year at Roland Garros.
A pro on the Wta Tour for a few years now, Gauff talked about the early expectations put on her due to her early breakout during her most recent run in Washington. She's currently embracing the process of just getting better and working towards her goals, as she admitted at the 2023 Citi Open .
I think it's because a lot of people expected, you know, a...
- 8/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz has been referred to by many names since becoming a two-time Grand Slam champion, but nothing quite compares to what Lorenzo Musetti called him in a recent interview.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a seismic rise into the summit of men's tennis, beating seven-time tournament champion Novak Djokovic in five sets at this year's Wimbledon. It was a victory that earned Alcaraz outpouring praise from all corners of the world.
Fellow Atp pros weighed in on the conversation. Djokovic, who witnessed Alcaraz's talent firsthand in the Wimbledon final, called him the best of all three worlds in reference to Alcaraz portraying all the qualities of the Big 3. Nick Kyrgios called him a freak while watching last month's showpiece final.
Rick Macci, the former coach of Serena Williams, called him a complete player . And amongst many plaudits by players and fans, it is, however, Lorenzo Musetti's metaphorical comparison of Alcaraz that tops the lot.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a seismic rise into the summit of men's tennis, beating seven-time tournament champion Novak Djokovic in five sets at this year's Wimbledon. It was a victory that earned Alcaraz outpouring praise from all corners of the world.
Fellow Atp pros weighed in on the conversation. Djokovic, who witnessed Alcaraz's talent firsthand in the Wimbledon final, called him the best of all three worlds in reference to Alcaraz portraying all the qualities of the Big 3. Nick Kyrgios called him a freak while watching last month's showpiece final.
Rick Macci, the former coach of Serena Williams, called him a complete player . And amongst many plaudits by players and fans, it is, however, Lorenzo Musetti's metaphorical comparison of Alcaraz that tops the lot.
- 8/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Veteran American coach Rick Macci believes that Carlos Alcaraz is going to win a lot and is destined for an illustrious playing career.
The days when tennis' famous Big 3 maintained their hegemony on the rest of the playing field are almost over. Roger Federer's retirement turned the three into a Big 2. And then 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal acknowledged he will likely play the final year of his professional career in 2024 .
That could leave Novak Djokovic as the sole surviving member of the most dominant trio in tennis history. Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, just suffered his first defeat at Wimbledon since 2017 . While his intention is to play for a few more years, he might be considering his parents' wishes .
The man responsible for ending Djokovic's reign at the All England Club was none other than Carlos Alcaraz, who has certainly caught the eye of celebrated tennis coach Macci.
The days when tennis' famous Big 3 maintained their hegemony on the rest of the playing field are almost over. Roger Federer's retirement turned the three into a Big 2. And then 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal acknowledged he will likely play the final year of his professional career in 2024 .
That could leave Novak Djokovic as the sole surviving member of the most dominant trio in tennis history. Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, just suffered his first defeat at Wimbledon since 2017 . While his intention is to play for a few more years, he might be considering his parents' wishes .
The man responsible for ending Djokovic's reign at the All England Club was none other than Carlos Alcaraz, who has certainly caught the eye of celebrated tennis coach Macci.
- 8/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
As one of the most respected coaches in the game, Rick Macci would like to help Coco Gauff work on the part of her game that is so often discussed, her forehand.
Coco Gauff's forehand seems to be a stroke that has been discussed a thousand times already, but it's yet to be fully fixed. Speaking during the grass-court part of the season, the young American said that working with Macci is one of the options , and the Uspta Florida Hall of Fame coach talked exclusively to Tennis-Infinity.com about possibly working with Gauff.
Only recently, the 19-year-old added Pere Riba to her coaching team , and in Washington, Brad Gilbert has been working with her too . According to her own words, Gauff is in a rebuilding period , and Rick Macci may help her with rebuilding the most vulnerable part of her game.
The seven-time Uspta Coach of the Year talked...
Coco Gauff's forehand seems to be a stroke that has been discussed a thousand times already, but it's yet to be fully fixed. Speaking during the grass-court part of the season, the young American said that working with Macci is one of the options , and the Uspta Florida Hall of Fame coach talked exclusively to Tennis-Infinity.com about possibly working with Gauff.
Only recently, the 19-year-old added Pere Riba to her coaching team , and in Washington, Brad Gilbert has been working with her too . According to her own words, Gauff is in a rebuilding period , and Rick Macci may help her with rebuilding the most vulnerable part of her game.
The seven-time Uspta Coach of the Year talked...
- 8/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic lost in the 2023 Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz , and while many thought it was the pressure that influenced him, Rick Macci has different opinion.
Playing against the best is always difficult, and that was the case when two highest-ranked players on the Atp Tour met in the 2023 Wimbledon final. After a thrilling five-setter, young prodigy Carlos Alcaraz won the title , stopping Novak Djokovic from matching Roger Federer's 8 Wimbledon titles.
Like almost every tennis fan in the world, renowned tennis coach Rick Macci was also watching the match. But as he often says, 'What you may see is different than what Rick may see (Macci).' In an exclusive interview with Tennis-Infinity.com , the seven-time Uspta Coach of the Year talked about the 2023 Wimbledon men's final.
It seemed that there was one crucial point that if Djokovic won, all could be different. Yet, he missed, but according to Macci,...
Playing against the best is always difficult, and that was the case when two highest-ranked players on the Atp Tour met in the 2023 Wimbledon final. After a thrilling five-setter, young prodigy Carlos Alcaraz won the title , stopping Novak Djokovic from matching Roger Federer's 8 Wimbledon titles.
Like almost every tennis fan in the world, renowned tennis coach Rick Macci was also watching the match. But as he often says, 'What you may see is different than what Rick may see (Macci).' In an exclusive interview with Tennis-Infinity.com , the seven-time Uspta Coach of the Year talked about the 2023 Wimbledon men's final.
It seemed that there was one crucial point that if Djokovic won, all could be different. Yet, he missed, but according to Macci,...
- 8/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Veteran American coach Rick Macci believes Carlos Alcaraz 's spectacular rise has pushed every player on the Atp Tour out of their comfort zones to work harder and smarter.
Earlier this year, Macci called Alcaraz the most complete player in the sport , given his quick mastery of all the surfaces and the vast array of shots he's got at his disposal. Macci's prophetic assertion couldn't be more true than when Alcaraz won a maiden grass court title at Wimbledon this year.
At only 20, Alcaraz's dominance is starting to show week in and week out and in the biggest events on the calendar. His five-set win over Novak Djokovic led many to proclaim that the changing of the guard has now happened in tennis. Macci referred to him as a generational talent in an exclusive interview with us.
The 68-year-old, a former coach of the Williams sisters, Andy Roddick, and even Maria Sharapova,...
Earlier this year, Macci called Alcaraz the most complete player in the sport , given his quick mastery of all the surfaces and the vast array of shots he's got at his disposal. Macci's prophetic assertion couldn't be more true than when Alcaraz won a maiden grass court title at Wimbledon this year.
At only 20, Alcaraz's dominance is starting to show week in and week out and in the biggest events on the calendar. His five-set win over Novak Djokovic led many to proclaim that the changing of the guard has now happened in tennis. Macci referred to him as a generational talent in an exclusive interview with us.
The 68-year-old, a former coach of the Williams sisters, Andy Roddick, and even Maria Sharapova,...
- 8/3/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff has a glaring weakness in her game, like many of her fellow pros, but hearing criticism from all corners has turned it into a mental problem according to Jimmy Arias.
The former Atp world number five was asked on the Inside-In podcast how he would address Coco Gauff's forehand. Jimmy Arias went into the specifics of executing a forehand and mentioned that Gauff has got it all wrong in terms of technique and execution .
But Arias says while that side of the issue can be solved, Gauff has probably heard enough of it from pundits and fans on social media, and it might actually get into her head. The Tennis Channel commentator said the problem might actually be more mental at this point.
Gauff is aware her forehand is defective and hasn't been able to take that next giant step to fulfill her teenage promise. Since she burst...
The former Atp world number five was asked on the Inside-In podcast how he would address Coco Gauff's forehand. Jimmy Arias went into the specifics of executing a forehand and mentioned that Gauff has got it all wrong in terms of technique and execution .
But Arias says while that side of the issue can be solved, Gauff has probably heard enough of it from pundits and fans on social media, and it might actually get into her head. The Tennis Channel commentator said the problem might actually be more mental at this point.
Gauff is aware her forehand is defective and hasn't been able to take that next giant step to fulfill her teenage promise. Since she burst...
- 7/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
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