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Serena Williams’ ex-coach warns Sinner not to overreact to Alcaraz setback

Originally posted on HITC | By Callum Davies | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 11:42 AM ET

Rick Macci, the former coach of Serena Williams, has advised Jannik Sinner to be cautious about making too many changes to his game.

Sinner is still dealing with the fallout from his four-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final, which marked his second Grand Slam final loss of the year to the Spaniard.

Alcaraz was clearly the better player on the day, delivering a performance that many are calling one of his best ever.

The Spaniard was broken only once throughout the match, and his serve looked untouchable inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Following the match, some analysts suggested Sinner’s approach may need adjusting. The Italian even referred to his style as ‘predictable’.

Tennis Hall of Famer Macci believes Sinner should be careful not to make too many drastic adjustments in response.

Rick Macci warns Jannik Sinner that tactical ‘tweak’ could cause more issues

Sinner had already mentioned that the adjustment he’s planning might cost him a few more games, and Macci seemed to echo that sentiment in a post on social media.

“Sure, Sinner needs to tweak,” said Macci, the former coach of Serena Williams, Andy Roddick, and Maria Sharapova, on social media.

Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images

“Every player has a choice and needs to hear a different voice,” elaborated the 70-year-old on X. “But they do not have to listen.”

He added: “You have to be very careful when you try to solve a problem you create a different one.”

https://twitter.com/RickMacci/status/1966742697521095083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Even with his defeat in New York, Sinner has already lifted titles at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.

And while he lost his World No. 1 ranking after the US Open final defeat, there’s every reason to believe he’ll be back in contention before long.

When will Jannik Sinner return to the ATP Tour?

With Italy not taking part in the Davis Cup and no plans to play the Laver Cup, Sinner has taken a longer break from the ATP Tour following his defeat at Flushing Meadows.

Sinner took a similar approach after Wimbledon, skipping both Washington and Toronto before making his return at the Cincinnati Open.

His expected return will likely be at the China Open, which starts on September 25 in Beijing.

Sinner won that event back in 2023 and will be aiming to reclaim it from Alcaraz, who is the defending champion after last year’s win.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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