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Thursday, 23 November 2023 SPORTS 9

Renowned Coach Rick Macci Eager to Guide Emma Raducanu’s Tennis Comeback

strating “hunger and belief.” Having

nurtured tennis giants, Macci sees an The charismatic coach sees Raducanu’s
opportunity to guide Raducanu, urging time away from the court as an oppor-
her to embrace pressure and cultivate tunity for reflection and maturity. While
resilience. acknowledging the challenges, Macci

believes in a long-term process for
The 21-year-old British player, who her comeback. He stressed the impor-
clinched the US Open at 18, has under- tance of the right support system and
TENNIS luminary Rick Macci, credited gone coaching changes, with the recent an all-in commitment to success in the

with shaping the careers of Serena and split from Sebastian Sachs. Macci, after fiercely competitive tennis arena.
Venus Williams, has expressed keen discussions with Raducanu’s agent,
interest in coaching Emma Raducanu expressed his desire to contribute to As Raducanu contemplates a return,
to reinvigorate her career. Macci, her mental and strategic development, Macci’s interest adds an intriguing

featured in the movie “King Richard,” citing his expertise in those areas. dimension to her comeback narra-
envisions making Raducanu “bullet- tive. The young tennis sensation, who
proof” mentally and strategically. Macci urged Raducanu to perceive scripted history at Flushing Meadows,
the pressure positively, emphasizing faces both challenges and possibili-

Raducanu, now ranked 289th glob- the need for mental fortitude and an ties as she navigates her career’s next
ally, faced setbacks with double wrist ability to handle media scrutiny. He chapter.
surgery and an ankle operation, side- acknowledged her talent, empha- The tennis community awaits
lining her since April. Macci, known for sizing that despite confidence and Raducanu’s return to the court and the

his coaching prowess, emphasized that fitness setbacks, her technical prowess potential collaboration with a coach of
her resurgence would hinge on demon- remained intact. Macci’s stature.

PFL Secures Bellator Acquisition

Unveils Champs vs. Champs Series in 2024

A significant move within the mixed martial arts (MMA)
landscape, Donn Davis, chairman of the Saudi-backed
Professional Fighters League (PFL), has confirmed the offi-

cial acquisition of Bellator MMA. The details of the deal,
including the involvement of PFL stock and Paramount’s
minority ownership, have not been disclosed.

This strategic acquisition positions the combined entity as
the undisputed No. 2 MMA promotion globally, just behind
the UFC. As part of the development, plans for a cham-
pion-versus-champion “mega event” between PFL and

Bellator are underway, signaling a landmark collaboration. series launching on pay-per-view in 2024.

Under the banner of the Bellator International Champions While Bellator president Scott Coker has yet to comment on
Series, Bellator will operate as an independent promotion the acquisition, Donn Davis has extended invitations to Coker

within the PFL framework. The structure includes eight and his team to join the new structure. The announcement
annual events, each featuring two title fights, showcasing the precedes the PFL’s anticipated 2024 plans, which include
depth and quality of the combined roster. Bellator fighters an existing partnership with ESPN and a new collaboration
will have the opportunity to participate in PFL competitions, with Jake Paul for the broadcast of his inaugural MMA fight

including season-long tournaments and the “superfight” scheduled for January.