In a stunning revelation, 20-year-old tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has parted ways with her ninth coach since winning the US Open in 2021. The British tennis star made headlines worldwide when she burst onto the scene at just 18 years old, becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title. However, her rapid rise was soon hampered by injuries and a revolving door of coaches.
Raducanu’s latest split was with Nick Cavaday, her coach of 14 months. According to Talk Sport, Cavaday stepped down to focus on his own health, having missed several tournaments due to health issues. „I’m very happy to have worked with Emma over the last 14 months,” Cavaday said. „Now, it’s important for me to spend more time at home and prioritize my own health, which is challenging to do with such a busy schedule.”
The news comes on the heels of Raducanu’s Australian Open loss to Poland’s Iga Świątek, who ultimately fell to Madison Keys in the semifinals. Raducanu, currently ranked 60th in the world, is now on the hunt for her seventh full-time coach in just three and a half years.
A History of Coach Hopping
Raducanu’s coaching carousel began soon after her US Open triumph. Her first coach, Andrew Richardson, was instrumental in her Grand Slam victory, but their partnership ended abruptly in 2021. Sebastian Sach, who guided her through the junior ranks, was next in line, but their collaboration was short-lived.
In May 2022, Raducanu underwent surgery on her wrists and ankles, which led to a brief stint with Dmitrij Tursunov. The Russian coach praised Raducanu’s work ethic but hinted at „red flags” that couldn’t be ignored. The exact reasons behind their split remain unclear.
What’s Next for Emma Raducanu?
As Raducanu begins her search for a new coach, Yutaka Nakamura, her physical training coach, is expected to take on a broader role in the interim. The Singapore Tennis Open is next on Raducanu’s agenda, and fans are eager to see how she fares without a dedicated coach.
Raducanu’s predicament raises questions about the pressures of the tennis circuit and the importance of a stable coaching relationship. With her career still in its infancy, it remains to be seen whether she can find the right mentor to guide her back to the top.
Australian Open Update
The Australian Open is nearing its conclusion, with Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys vying for the women’s title. Can Sabalenka reclaim her crown for the third time, or will Keys pull off a stunning upset? The final match is set to begin at 9:30 AM Polish time.
Sources:
* Daily Mail: Emma Raducanu undergoes surgery on both wrists and ankles
* Talk Sport: Emma Raducanu splits with coach Nick Cavaday after 14 months
* US Open: Emma Raducanu’s Grand Slam victory in 2021