Emma Raducanu’s coaching conundrum: A dual approach for stability

Raducanu seeks coaching stability, considering a dual-coach model like top players to ensure consistency and avoid burnout on the demanding tour.

Raducanu Seeks Coaching Stability, Considering A Dual Coach Model Like Top Players

Emma Raducanu finds herself at a critical juncture in her career, navigating yet another coaching transition. After maintaining a rare year of coaching stability with Nick Cavaday, their professional relationship came to an end following the Australian Open. Cavaday, who has been managing a chronic illness, ultimately decided that he could no longer balance his health with the relentless demands of a full-time coaching role.

With Raducanu currently without a permanent coach, the question arises as to what her next move should be. Historically, she has changed coaches frequently, cycling through six in her first three seasons on tour. Now, with a more measured approach, she appears determined to take her time in finding the right fit.

“It’s a decision that I want to take my time with,” Raducanu stated. “That’s why I haven’t necessarily jumped into something straight away, because I want to make sure it’s a right fit.”

The challenges of the modern tennis tour make coaching a grueling task. The season runs almost uninterrupted from late December to early November, leaving little room for breaks. This has led many of the world’s top players to adopt a dual-coach model, allowing for continuity while preventing burnout among their teams. Novak Djokovic, for instance, recently enlisted Andy Murray in a part-time capacity while still retaining Boris Bosnjakovic. Carlos Alcaraz, who shares a deep bond with Juan Carlos Ferrero, also rotates responsibilities with Samuel Lopez. Similarly, Jannik Sinner benefits from the guidance of both Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill, the latter of whom is set to retire in 2025.

Raducanu could benefit from adopting this approach. She has already brought in Yutaka Nakamura as her full-time fitness coach, someone with experience working alongside Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. However, Nakamura is not a tennis coach, and Raducanu is currently working in Abu Dhabi with Roman Kelecic, a familiar figure from her junior days. Kelecic, however, is only a temporary presence.

“We haven’t honestly seen each other in so many years,” Raducanu admitted. “I wanted to see him anyway, to catch up [in Abu Dhabi]. So I texted him to catch up, and now he’s on court with me, so he’s going to help me out this week.”

Despite her preference for a tight-knit team, Raducanu would benefit from identifying not just one, but two voices to provide consistency and stability throughout the season. This would ensure that she always has a coach present while avoiding the strain of a single individual managing the entire schedule. By following the lead of players who have embraced a dual-coach system, Raducanu may find the structure and clarity necessary to unlock her full potential on the court.

Emma Raducanu in 2025

Emma Raducanu

2 - 2win/loss

Hard
2-1
I Hard
0-1
22 year old
LLWW
2025 Highlights

Now the world no.56, Raducanu played her last match on the 27th of January when she surrendered to world no.98 Cristina Bucsa 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the 1st round in Singapore (draw).

Currently, during this year Emma owns an overall 2-2 record.

Emma Raducanu will take on the world no.63 Viktoriya Tomova in the final. Their current record is 1-0 for Tomova.

Raducanu
Singapore
Raducanu's Record

Emma Raducanu

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