MELBOURNE — As the Australian Open heats up, both literally and figuratively, Britain’s Emma Raducanu is leaving no stone unturned in her quest for a deep run. In a move that echoes the meticulous preparation of her compatriot and tennis legend Andy Murray, Raducanu has turned to another former British professional for guidance, revealing she has been using intense hot yoga sessions to acclimatize to the brutal Melbourne conditions.
The 2021 US Open champion, who has navigated a challenging path back from multiple surgeries, is through to the second round after a commanding straight-sets victory over American Shelby Rogers. Speaking after the match, Raducanu disclosed a key part of her pre-tournament regimen, one that involved seeking advice from a figure well-acquainted with the sport's physical and mental demands: "I’ve been doing hot yoga just to try and prepare for the heat," she said with a smile.
Following in the Footsteps of a Legend
This strategic approach is a page straight out of Andy Murray’s playbook. Throughout his career, Murray was renowned for his relentless pursuit of marginal gains, often consulting a wide network of specialists and former players to gain an edge. Raducanu’s decision to tap into the expertise of another ex-pro, specifically 2012 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Jonny Marray, signals a similar commitment to holistic preparation. "I was actually speaking to Jonny Marray," Raducanu revealed, highlighting the collaborative spirit within British tennis.
Marray, now a respected coach, provided specific tactical insights ahead of her first-round match. "He was helping me a little bit before the match, just with some tactics and stuff. It’s great to have someone like that who’s just willing to help," Raducanu explained. This mentorship underscores a shift for the 21-year-old, who is increasingly building a team of trusted advisors around her, mirroring Murray’s famed reliance on a close-knit support circle.
The "Guilt" of a New Training Ethos
Perhaps the most telling parallel with Murray’s mindset is Raducanu’s admission of "feeling guilty." She described a newfound dedication to her craft, one so intense that rest days now feel like a luxury she cannot afford. "I was feeling a bit guilty for taking days off. I just want to make the most of every single day," she stated. This relentless drive, a hallmark of champions like Murray, points to a matured and hardened professional attitude following her extended time away from the court recovering from surgeries on both wrists and one ankle.
Her current training block has been notably different. "I’ve just been putting in a lot of work. I did a really good training block the last five, six weeks. I feel good. I feel healthy. I feel strong. I feel fit," Raducanu asserted. The hot yoga sessions are a critical component of this, designed to push her body’s limits in a controlled environment that mimics the on-court challenge of a scorching Australian summer day.
Why Hot Yoga is the Perfect Prep
The science behind Raducanu’s choice is sound. Hot yoga, typically practiced in rooms heated to around 40°C (104°F) with high humidity, forces the body to adapt to thermal stress. This adaptation offers several key benefits for a tennis player facing the Australian Open’s often extreme conditions:
- Improved Thermoregulation: The body learns to cool itself more efficiently through sweating, delaying the onset of heat fatigue.
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Endurance: The heart works harder in the heat, building stamina.
- Mental Fortitude: Maintaining focus and composure in a physically uncomfortable environment directly translates to managing pressure points in a match.
- Flexibility and Recovery: The heat allows for deeper stretching, aiding muscle recovery and injury prevention.
Raducanu’s initiative shows a proactive approach to a known variable. "You never know what the weather is going to be like," she noted, acknowledging the unpredictability of Melbourne’s climate. By preparing for the worst-case scenario, she ensures she won’t be caught off guard, a lesson in professionalism often demonstrated by the sport’s most consistent performers.
Building a New Foundation
This Australian Open campaign represents more than just a return to Grand Slam action for Raducanu; it is the first major test of her rebuilt game and body. The surgeries, while a setback, provided a forced reset. She is no longer the teenage sensation who exploded onto the scene but an athlete consciously constructing a more sustainable career. Her collaboration with coach Nick Cavaday and her openness to input from figures like Jonny Marray suggest a more integrated and stable team structure.
The influence of Andy Murray’s example is palpable. It’s not about copying his game, but emulating his process—the obsession with detail, the willingness to seek expert advice, and the uncompromising work ethic. "I’m just really enjoying practicing. I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I’m enjoying working with my team," Raducanu said, reflecting a contentment that comes from knowing no stone has been left unturned.
A Statement of Intent
As Raducanu advances in the tournament, her off-court preparations will be as scrutinized as her forehand. The hot yoga sessions and the tactical chats with a former champion are not gimmicks; they are calculated investments. They signal a player who has learned from past physical struggles and is determined to control every controllable factor. In the cauldron of Melbourne Park, where temperatures can soar and matches become battles of attrition, such preparation could prove to be the difference.
Emma Raducanu’s journey back to the top is still in its early chapters, but her current approach reveals a newfound depth. By channeling the meticulous spirit of Andy Murray and leveraging the collective wisdom of British tennis, she is not just preparing to win matches—she is building the resilient foundation required to win them consistently. The heat is on, but for the first time in a long while, Raducanu appears not just ready for it, but engineered to withstand it.