Renowned coach Rick Macci angered tennis fans by dismissing Rafael Nadal as a serious contender after his return. The American, who has worked with the likes of Serena Williams, Andy Roddick, and Maria Sharapova, said the Spaniard will not challenge for Grand Slams upon coming back. Fans on the internet slammed him for ruling the veteran out.
Nadal last featured in the 2023 Australian Open second round, where he played through injury and lost. In recovery since then, he confirmed he would return in 2024. Multiple reports suggest this will be his final season before bidding adieu to tennis. Hence, his comeback carries significant emotional weight, and the tennis world waits with bated breath.
Macci drew the ire of tennis fans on X (formerly Twitter) after suggesting that Nadal would not win any Slams next season. He claimed the former World No.1 will be competitive but may not play at an elite level. Fans cautioned him against underestimating and writing Nadal off.
Never, ever write off Rafa.
— Lee Payne (@lpp28) November 30, 2023
“Legendary coach” didn’t pay much attention the last 15 years.
Never underestimate this god of tennis, pretty simple.— Bobbycar (@EuropeanPicard) November 30, 2023
Never underestimate our King
— DaniRafaLando (@17dani) November 30, 2023
Never count Rafa out. Haven’t people learned this yet? Macci should have stayed quiet on this.
— Steve SC (@steve_usc1) November 30, 2023
Write the off at your expense https://t.co/NBVN7oWJWs
— sarvesh ayre (@ZiddiMercury) November 30, 2023
A few fans mentioned how he was written off in late 2021 because of a recurring foot injury. However, he made a triumphant return in 2022 and lifted the Australian Open and the French Open.
The man isn’t even back yet,give him a chance!Wasn’t he supposed to be out the year he won Australian Open and Roland Garros.Won it on a broken foot too. He isnt one of those guys where you make blanket assumptions. Especially if he gets to a quarter final and further, watch out https://t.co/qlWyf3iALN
— Black Princess Diana (@layla_job) November 30, 2023
The same thing was said at the end of 2021 🙂 pic.twitter.com/Zo3BGRcrC2
— Rafael Nadal Best Shots (@nadalbestshots) November 30, 2023
Haven’t we been seeing people saying stuff like this for years? He’ll most likely just prove them wrong yet again https://t.co/RFx7cX7jxy
— João (@joaofvas) November 30, 2023
Keep doubting buddy just like people said he couldn’t win the French open when he was essentially playing on one foot lol
— Evan Tobin (@evant_11) November 30, 2023
Some users believed Nadal will always be a genuine contender at Roland Garros.
Rafa has nine life’s like a cat, IMO he will be very strong contender at RG.
— Michael M Popovic (@MicPop8) December 1, 2023
As much as I hate to say it, he’s always a contender on clay. By far his best surface, and he has the support of the French crowd… we’ll see!
— DG Vez (@dgv1133) November 30, 2023
Don’t know him. If he gets healthy to RG and gets into form I think he can win it . He plays different on clay and in RG . https://t.co/dINGqddS6B
— Elena (@elenaclaudia22) November 30, 2023
2024 RG champion, beats Djokovic convincingly in the finals.
— Eduardo Pereyra (@EduardoPereyraA) December 1, 2023
Macci wishes Rafael Nadal luck for his comeback but has doubts
Macci is a celebrated coach with over 35 years of experience in training the top professionals. In addition to the aforementioned three players, he also worked with Venus Williams and Jennifer Capriati, meaning he coached a total five World No.1’s.
The USPTA Hall of Fame inductee wished Nadal the best, but believed the Spaniard is no longer the world-class player he once was. He claimed the 20-time Grand Slam winner will be competitive but not be in contention to bag more Majors. Macci, though, admitted Nadal will always be a tough opponent on clay.
“I wish Rafa all the best, but he’s not at the exact same level he was before so I don’t think he’s a contender to win a Slam. I think he can be competitive and I think he’s a rough out for anybody on clay, but it depends on his health.”
Rafael Nadal recently confirmed his plans to return in 2024 but remained uncertain about his level of tennis upon return. Regardless of where and when he gets back to the court, fans will throng to see him play after a year, and possibly for the last time.
