LONDON — Emma Raducanu's former coach, Andrew Richardson, has revealed the surprising reason he was let go just three weeks after her historic 2021 US Open victory. In a candid interview, Richardson opened up about Raducanu’s relentless curiosity and how it ultimately led to his abrupt dismissal.
Richardson, who guided Raducanu to her stunning Grand Slam triumph as an 18-year-old qualifier, described her as "one of the most inquisitive players I’ve ever worked with." However, her constant questioning and desire for rapid adjustments clashed with his coaching philosophy, leading to a swift parting of ways.
The Three-Week Coaching Stint
Raducanu’s meteoric rise at the US Open, where she didn’t drop a single set en route to the title, was one of the most remarkable underdog stories in tennis history. Yet, just weeks later, Richardson was replaced by German coach Torben Beltz. The decision shocked many, but Richardson now explains it was rooted in Raducanu’s relentless drive for perfection.
"Emma wanted to dissect every single aspect of her game immediately after the US Open," Richardson said. "She’d ask, ‘Why did I miss that shot? How can I improve my serve? Should we change my forehand grip?’ It was non-stop."
The Clash of Philosophies
Richardson, a more traditional coach, believed in gradual refinement rather than radical changes. He emphasized stability and consolidation after a major win, but Raducanu, eager to build on her success, pushed for immediate technical adjustments.
"I told her, ‘Emma, you just won a Grand Slam—let’s not overhaul what’s working.’ But she was adamant," Richardson recalled. "She wanted to evolve her game overnight, and that’s when the tension started."
Key Differences That Led to the Split
The friction between coach and player boiled down to three critical disagreements:
- 1. Timing of Changes: Richardson advocated for a slower approach, while Raducanu wanted instant modifications.
- 2. Risk Assessment: He warned against altering a winning formula, but she was willing to take risks.
- 3. Communication Style: Her constant questioning made him feel undermined, whereas she saw it as necessary growth.
Raducanu’s Coaching Carousel
Since parting ways with Richardson, Raducanu has cycled through multiple coaches, including Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Sebastian Sachs. This revolving door has drawn criticism, but Richardson believes it reflects her uncompromising standards.
"Emma knows what she wants, and she won’t settle," he said. "That’s a strength, but it also makes long-term coaching relationships difficult."
The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
Richardson, now coaching elsewhere, holds no grudges. He acknowledges Raducanu’s unique mindset but admits their styles were incompatible. "In hindsight, maybe I should’ve adapted faster," he reflected.
Meanwhile, Raducanu continues her search for stability. After injuries and coaching changes derailed her momentum, she remains determined to return to the top. Her latest partnership with Sachs signals another attempt to find the right fit.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Coaches
Richardson’s experience serves as a lesson for coaches working with prodigies. "If you can’t keep up with their ambition, you’ll be out fast," he said. For Raducanu, the challenge remains balancing her relentless drive with sustainable progress.
As she prepares for her next chapter, one thing is clear: Emma Raducanu won’t stop asking questions—and her coaches must be ready to answer.