CINCINNATI — Emma Raducanu’s resurgence at the Cincinnati Open has been one of the standout stories of the 2024 tennis season, and her coach—former mentor to Rafael Nadal—played a pivotal role with a succinct yet powerful 11-word message before her victory.
The British star, who burst onto the scene with her historic US Open triumph in 2021, has faced setbacks due to injuries and form struggles. However, her partnership with Marc López, who previously coached Nadal, has reignited her confidence. Before her Cincinnati Open win, López delivered a straightforward but impactful piece of advice: "Trust your game, stay aggressive, and enjoy the moment."
A Coach with a Champion’s Mentality
Marc López, best known for his work with Nadal, brings a wealth of experience to Raducanu’s camp. His coaching philosophy emphasizes mental resilience and tactical adaptability—qualities that have defined Nadal’s career. Raducanu acknowledged López’s influence, stating, "Marc has this incredible ability to simplify things. He reminds me to focus on what I can control."
López’s 11-word mantra before the Cincinnati Open final encapsulated his approach:
- Trust your game: Raducanu’s aggressive baseline play and precision were key to her success.
- Stay aggressive: López encouraged her to maintain pressure rather than retreating defensively.
- Enjoy the moment: A reminder to embrace the challenge rather than fear it.
Raducanu’s Tactical Adjustments
Under López’s guidance, Raducanu has refined her game, particularly her serve and movement. In Cincinnati, her first-serve percentage climbed to 72%, a significant improvement from earlier in the season. She also showcased her ability to dictate rallies, winning 58% of baseline exchanges.
"Emma’s always had the talent," López said in a post-match interview. "But now she’s playing with clarity. She’s not overcomplicating things, and that’s when she’s at her best."
The Nadal Connection
López’s experience with Nadal has been invaluable for Raducanu. The Spaniard’s relentless work ethic and mental toughness have clearly rubbed off. Raducanu admitted, "Hearing stories about how Rafa prepares—it’s inspiring. Marc brings that same intensity to our sessions."
What’s Next for Raducanu?
With the US Open looming, Raducanu’s Cincinnati victory has positioned her as a dark horse contender. López’s influence could be the missing piece in her quest for consistency. Tennis analyst Mary Carillo noted, "This partnership has given Emma a roadmap. If she stays healthy, she’s a threat on any surface."
Raducanu’s next challenge will be maintaining momentum. López’s 11-word message may seem simple, but its impact is undeniable. As she heads to New York, the tennis world will be watching to see if this resurgence is the start of something bigger.
For now, Raducanu remains focused. "I’m just taking it one match at a time," she said. "Marc keeps me grounded, and that’s exactly what I need."
The Cincinnati Open win marks a turning point. With López in her corner, Raducanu has rediscovered the fearlessness that made her a Grand Slam champion—and the tennis world is taking notice.