LONDON — As Emma Raducanu navigates the long and winding road back to full fitness, her latest partnership has raised more than a few eyebrows. The 2021 US Open champion has enlisted the help of a chiropractor, Will Herbert, whose clientele famously includes elite equine athletes as well as human ones, as she prepares for her return to the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Herbert, the founder of the Central Chiropractic clinic in Hertfordshire, has become an integral part of Team Raducanu, working to ensure her body can withstand the rigors of the WTA Tour. His unique cross-species expertise, honed by treating top racehorses and showjumpers, offers a novel approach to the complex biomechanical challenges the 21-year-old Briton has faced since her historic triumph in New York three years ago.
A Novel Approach to an Old Problem
Raducanu's career has been punctuated by a series of frustrating injuries, including wrist and ankle problems that required surgery and sidelined her for much of the 2023 season. These physical setbacks have prevented her from building any sustained momentum on tour, making her search for a durable solution paramount. In Herbert, she has found a practitioner who thinks outside the conventional human sports medicine box.
"The principles of biomechanics, alignment, and optimal function are universal," Herbert has stated in previous interviews about his work. "Whether you're dealing with a Grand Slam champion or a Grand National winner, the goal is the same: to ensure the athlete is moving efficiently and without compensatory patterns that lead to injury."
This philosophy appears to be a perfect fit for Raducanu, whose powerful, aggressive game places significant stress on her body. Herbert's methods are said to focus on:
- Spinal alignment and pelvic balance to improve power transfer.
- Addressing minor misalignments (subluxations) that can cause major issues.
- Enhancing overall nervous system function for better recovery.
From the Stable to the Court
The crossover between equine and human physiotherapy is not as far-fetched as it might initially seem. Elite racehorses are phenomenal athletes whose careers also depend on peak physical conditioning and the prevention of stress-related injuries. The precision and care required to treat a valuable thoroughbred translate remarkably well to the world of professional sports.
A source close to Raducanu's team explained the appeal, noting, "Will's background with horses means he has an incredibly keen eye for the most subtle imbalances in gait and posture. That level of detail is what Emma needs. It's about pre-hab, not just rehab—staying ahead of the problems before they become serious."
This proactive approach is crucial for Raducanu as she aims to compete consistently at the highest level. Her 2024 season has shown flashes of her brilliant best, but maintaining that form week-in, week-out requires a body that can handle the load. Herbert's work is complementary to her training with coach Nick Cavaday and her fitness team, all focused on building a more resilient athlete.
Conquering the US Open Hurdle
The US Open remains the defining tournament of Raducanu's young career. Her fairytale run from qualifier to champion, without dropping a set, is the stuff of sporting legend. However, returning to the scene of her greatest triumph has, ironically, become a significant psychological and physical hurdle. The pressure, the attention, and the intensity of the hard-court season have proven difficult to manage in the years since.
Herbert's role is as much about preparing her mind as her body. Chiropractic care is known to impact the nervous system, potentially reducing stress and improving mental clarity. For a player like Raducanu, who has spoken openly about the suffocating pressure she has felt, this holistic benefit could be as valuable as any physical adjustment.
In a recent press conference, Raducanu spoke positively about her current physical state and preparation. "I'm in a really good place with my body right now. I'm doing everything I can to keep it that way. My team is fantastic, and we're leaving no stone unturned. I'm feeling strong and I'm excited to play."
This newfound stability is a welcome change. Her frequent coaching changes and physical struggles post-US Open led to a period of instability. Now, with a settled team and a unique specialist like Herbert on board, the hope is that Raducanu can finally build a foundation for the long term. The goal is not just to compete at the US Open, but to arrive there as a confident, robust contender ready to embrace the challenge rather than be weighed down by it.
A Calculated Gamble for Long-Term Gains
While some may view the partnership with an equine chiropractor as unconventional, in the high-stakes world of professional sports, any potential edge is worth exploring. Raducanu's team is clearly willing to think creatively to solve the puzzle of her durability. This move echoes a growing trend of athletes seeking alternative and complementary therapies—from cryotherapy to hyperbaric chambers—to gain a fraction of a percent in performance and recovery.
The true test will come on the unforgiving hard courts of North America this summer. The US Open series is a grueling test of endurance, and success there is the ultimate benchmark for her physical readiness. If Raducanu can navigate that stretch healthy and competitive, Will Herbert's cross-species expertise will be seen as a masterstroke.
As she continues her preparation, the focus is firmly on the future. The fairy tale of 2021 will always be part of her story, but Emma Raducanu is now meticulously writing her next chapter. With a chiropractor who fixes champions—both two-legged and four-legged—by her side, she is hoping to clear the physical hurdles that have hampered her and gallop freely back toward the top of the game.