Emma Raducanu is reportedly in discussions to work with Yutaka Nakamura, a renowned strength and conditioning expert with a distinguished career in tennis. The 21-year-old former US Open champion has faced numerous injury setbacks since her breakthrough in 2021, including blisters, wrist injuries, ankle issues, and muscle problems that have hindered her progress. These injuries have notably affected her ability to maintain consistent form on tour.
Nakamura, who has worked with top players such as Maria Sharapova, Naomi Osaka, and Kei Nishikori, could become a key figure in Raducanu’s bid to regain her fitness and make a stronger comeback. Nakamura’s extensive experience includes stints as the Head of Tennis Strength and Conditioning at IMG Academy in Florida, adding to his credibility as a leading figure in the field.
Raducanu’s injuries have been particularly challenging, including surgery on both wrists and an ankle in 2022, followed by another ankle issue this year. This has led to her missing several key tournaments, including the China Open and the Wuhan Open qualifiers. Despite the setbacks, Raducanu remains determined to turn her fitness around and improve her career trajectory.
Raducanu is expected to return to action for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals next week, where she will play for Great Britain in Malaga. Her potential partnership with Nakamura could mark a significant step in addressing her fitness challenges and setting a strong foundation for her future in tennis.
Emma Raducanu in 2024
Ranked no.58, the Brit played her last match on the 21st of September when she had to retire when playing against world no.9 Darya Kasatkina in the quarter and the scoreline was 6-1
.This year Emma has achieved a compiled 20-13 match record. Emma Raducanu’s most significant result of the year was getting to the semifinal in Nottingham.
Emma Raducanu will face the world no.49 Viktoriya Tomova in the final. Their actual record is 1-0 for Tomova.
Emma Raducanu |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Emma Raducanu in 2024
Currently ranked no.58, the Brit played her last match on the 21st of September when she had to retire when playing against world no.9 Darya Kasatkina in the quarter and the scoreline was 6-1 .
Until now, during this year Raducanu has a compiled 20-13 record. Emma Raducanu’s most significant accomplishment of the current season was getting to the semifinal in Nottingham.
Emma Raducanu will compete against the world no.49 Viktoriya Tomova in the final. Their head to head is 1-0 for Tomova.
Emma Raducanu |
| Embed from Getty Images |