LONDON — For a player whose career has been defined by a singular, stratospheric triumph, the years since have felt like a turbulent descent back to earth. Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory, a fairytale run as a qualifier, promised a new era in British tennis. Instead, it was followed by a relentless cycle of injuries, coaching changes, and off-court pressures that have tested the young star’s resilience. Now, as she targets a full return in 2025, the focus is firmly on building a stable foundation for 2026—a year she hopes will mark the beginning of a less chaotic, more consistent chapter.
The Revolving Door: A Search for Stability
Raducanu’s post-US Open journey has been notably marked by an unprecedented churn in her coaching team. In the span of just over two years, she worked with at least five different coaches, including Andrew Richardson (who guided her at Flushing Meadows), Nigel Sears, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Sebastian Sachs. This carousel became a dominant narrative, often overshadowing her performances. Each split was framed as a search for the right fit, but it projected an image of instability. As one insider noted, "The constant change wasn't just about tactics; it was about Emma, a teenager thrust into the spotlight, trying to find who she could trust to guide her through an insane new world."
The reasons cited ranged from stylistic mismatches to, more recently, Raducanu’s intense rehabilitation schedule following multiple surgeries on both wrists and one ankle in 2023. The period of inactivity forced a reset. Without the pressure of weekly tournaments, Raducanu and her family have used the time to meticulously reconstruct her support system from the ground up, prioritizing longevity and understanding over quick fixes.
The Inner Circle: A Fortified Foundation
At the core of this new phase is a tightened, trusted inner circle designed to provide the consistency she has craved. Leading her on-cardio development is Jez Green, the renowned physical conditioner who previously worked with Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev. Green’s appointment is a clear statement of intent: building a body robust enough to withstand the rigors of the WTA Tour is the non-negotiable first step. Alongside him, Raducanu has been working with coach Louis Cayer, the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) legendary doubles specialist, on refining her net game and tactical variety.
Perhaps most crucially, her parents, Ian and Renee, remain her anchors. They manage her career with a protective focus, filtering the immense external noise. This family-centric model has drawn comparisons to that of the Williams sisters early in their careers. "My parents are my biggest support," Raducanu has frequently stated, a sentiment that has only strengthened during her recovery.
The Off-Court Battle: Stalker Hell
While injuries were a public struggle, a more private and terrifying ordeal unfolded simultaneously. In late 2022 and into 2023, Raducanu became the target of a persistent stalker, a 35-year-old man who sent thousands of pounds worth of gifts, including a £800 necklace, and turned up at her home and training venues. The situation escalated to the point where the individual was given a five-year Stalking Protection Order (SPO) in January 2024. This violation of her safety and privacy added an immense, hidden psychological burden during an already difficult competitive period.
A source close to the player revealed, "It was a horrific time that people on the outside didn't fully see. Trying to focus on rehabbing your body is hard enough without looking over your shoulder. It made the sanctuary of the training base feel threatened. Fortifying her personal security and mental well-being became as important as rehabbing her wrists." The resolution of this case has been a significant step in clearing the path for her comeback, allowing her to focus on tennis without that looming fear.
The 2025 Blueprint: Process Over Results
Raducanu’s return at the start of 2025 was carefully managed, with expectations deliberately tempered. The goal is not to immediately recapture the magic of New York 2021, but to lay bricks. Her schedule is expected to be selective, mixing WTA events with possible lower-tier tournaments to build match rhythm without undue pressure. The key pillars of this blueprint include:
- Physical Resilience: A continued, uninterrupted partnership with Jez Green to develop strength and prevent the soft-tissue injuries that have plagued her.
- Technical Refinement: Working with specialist coaches like Cayer to add layers to her game, making her less reliant on baseline power.
- Mental Fortitude: Leveraging the stability of her core team to build confidence and on-court problem-solving abilities.
- Strategic Scheduling: Avoiding the temptation to overplay, instead targeting tournaments where she can accumulate matches and ranking points steadily.
This approach is a direct response to the "topsy-turvy" nature of the past few years. As Raducanu herself articulated in a recent interview, "I'm looking at the long-term. I have a new team around me that I really trust. It's about putting in the work every day and not getting distracted by the short-term noise. I know what I'm capable of when my body is right."
The 2026 Vision: A New Dawn
If 2025 is the year of rebuilding, then 2026 is earmarked as the true launchpad. By then, Raducanu will be 23, with (hopefully) a full, healthy season behind her. The aim is to have a settled team, a robust physical condition, and a ranking that allows direct entry into major tournaments, freeing her from the grind of qualifying. The endless narrative of "coaching changes" and "injury comebacks" is one she is desperate to leave behind. The vision for 2026 is simple: to be just another top player on tour, judged by her weekly performances, not her past turbulence.
The path from teenage sensation to established champion is notoriously difficult, littered with prodigies who couldn't handle the transition. Raducanu’s journey has been more public and more fractured than most. Yet, within her fortified inner circle, there is a palpable sense of optimism. The storms of injuries, stalkers, and instability have forced a maturity and a clarity about what she needs to succeed. The fairytale of New York was a beginning, not an ending. The next chapter, starting in earnest in 2026, is about writing a different kind of story: one of resilience, stability, and sustained success, crafted not by chance, but by design.