LONDON — British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has once again made headlines with her unconventional approach to coaching, revealing plans to adopt a strategy inspired by the royal family. The 2021 US Open champion, known for her frequent coaching changes, has now clarified which of her past mentors "don’t count" as she refines her team ahead of the 2024 season.
Raducanu’s Royal-Inspired Coaching Philosophy
Raducanu, who has worked with five different coaches since her historic Grand Slam victory, recently explained her reasoning behind the frequent changes. "I’ve taken inspiration from the royal family in how they manage their staff," she told reporters. "Some roles are temporary, and that’s okay—they don’t all have to be long-term to be valuable."
The 21-year-old clarified that not every coach she’s worked with should be considered part of her "official" team. "There are some who were just short-term trial periods—they don’t count," she said, without naming specific individuals.
The Latest Addition to Her Team
Raducanu recently announced her collaboration with renowned coach Louis Cayer, a specialist in doubles strategy who has worked with the likes of Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury. While some questioned the pairing given her singles focus, Raducanu defended the decision, stating, "Improving my net game is a priority, and Louis brings a unique perspective."
This marks her fifth coaching appointment in just over two years, a revolving door that has drawn criticism from some tennis pundits. However, Raducanu remains unfazed, emphasizing that her approach is about "finding the right fit at the right time."
Coaches Who "Don’t Count"
Raducanu’s remarks suggest she distinguishes between trial coaches and long-term mentors. Among those likely excluded from her "official" tally:
- Andrew Richardson – Guided her during the 2021 US Open but was let go shortly after.
- Dmitry Tursunov – A brief trial in 2022 that ended due to scheduling conflicts.
- Sebastian Sachs – Worked with her for part of 2023 before parting ways.
The Backlash and Raducanu’s Response
Critics argue that her frequent changes disrupt consistency, but Raducanu counters that her method is deliberate. "I’m not afraid to make adjustments if something isn’t working," she said. "The royal family doesn’t keep every staff member forever, and neither do I."
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman, however, urged caution, telling the BBC: "While adaptability is good, stability in coaching can be crucial for development."
Looking Ahead to 2024
Raducanu, currently ranked outside the top 200 after injury setbacks, is determined to climb back up. Her partnership with Cayer signals a tactical shift, focusing on:
- Net Play – Enhancing her volleying skills for aggressive finishes.
- Serve Variety – Adding nuance to her first and second serves.
- Mental Resilience – Building consistency after multiple physical setbacks.
With the Australian Open approaching, Raducanu remains optimistic. "I’m not rushing anything. This is a long-term process, and I’m trusting my instincts," she said.
Conclusion: A Unique Approach
Raducanu’s royal-inspired strategy may be unorthodox, but it reflects her willingness to challenge norms. Whether this method pays off in 2024 remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: she’s determined to do things her way. As she put it, "Not every coach is meant to stay, and that’s part of the journey."