Emma Raducanu has enlisted the support of a familiar figure as she prepares for the Abu Dhabi Open, reconnecting with her former junior coach, Roman Kelecic. The decision comes after the departure of Nick Cavaday, who stepped down following the Australian Open due to health reasons.

The 2021 US Open champion has been in search of a new mentor, and while she is yet to make a long-term commitment, she has welcomed Kelecic’s assistance for the upcoming tournament. Reflecting on their past, Raducanu expressed her familiarity with the Croatian coach, stating, “He travelled with me when I was like 14, 15, in the junior ITFs; we went to all the glamorous places together when we were younger in the juniors.”

Raducanu’s coaching situation has been in flux since her breakthrough in 2021, with Kelecic now joining a list that includes Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Dmitry Tursunov, Torben Beltz, Sebastian Sachs, and most recently, Cavaday. Despite having found stability with Cavaday since late 2023, his health concerns have forced a change in direction.

“It’s difficult. Nick is a great person. He’s someone I’ve known since I was a young girl, and he coached me before, so I think we were working really well together,” Raducanu said. “Unfortunately, he had to prioritise his health, which I completely understand, and I support him, and I just wish him the speediest of recoveries.”

As she navigates this transitional period, Raducanu is taking a measured approach in selecting her next full-time coach. “I think that’s why I haven’t necessarily jumped into something straight away, because I want to make sure it’s a right fit,” she explained. “I’m using this time period to just figure out what I really value. I’m not too sure yet right now. I haven’t come to any plans or decisions.”

With Kelecic now offering his guidance in Abu Dhabi, Raducanu will assess her next steps in the coming weeks, ensuring that any future coaching appointment aligns with her long-term aspirations.

Emma Raducanu in 2025

Currently the world no.56, the Brit played her last match on the 27^th of January when she capitulated to world no.101 Cristina Bucsa 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the 1^st round in Singapore (draw).

Until now, during this year the Brit achieved a compiled 2-2 record.

Emma Raducanu will compete against the world no.64 Viktoriya Tomova in the final. Their head to head is 1-0 for Tomova.