CINCINNATI — Emma Raducanu made a statement in her first match under new coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s former mentor, Esteban Carril, defeating Serbia’s Olga Danilovic 6-3, 6-2 at the Western & Southern Open. The 2021 US Open champion showcased renewed confidence and tactical discipline, marking a promising start to her latest coaching partnership.
Raducanu, who split with coach Nick Cavaday in July after a brief collaboration, turned to Carril—a key figure in Ferrero’s rise—to refine her game ahead of the US Open. The partnership, though still in its infancy, bore immediate fruit as Raducanu dominated Danilovic with aggressive baseline play and improved serve consistency. "I felt really good out there," Raducanu said post-match. "Esteban has brought clarity to my game already."
A Commanding Performance
Raducanu’s victory was built on a foundation of precise shot-making and tactical adaptability. She won 78% of first-serve points and converted four of six break points, a stark contrast to her recent struggles with consistency. Carril’s influence was evident in Raducanu’s willingness to step into the court and dictate rallies, a departure from her sometimes passive approach. "She’s learning to trust her weapons," Carril noted in a courtside interview.
Key improvements included:
- Serve placement: Raducanu targeted Danilovic’s backhand with 70% of her first serves.
- Net approaches: She won 12 of 15 net points, showcasing newfound aggression.
- Rally tolerance: Extended exchanges beyond 10 shots favored Raducanu 6-2.
The Carril Factor
Carril, who guided Ferrero to the 2003 French Open title and world No. 1, emphasizes technical precision and mental resilience—qualities Raducanu has sought since her breakout at Flushing Meadows. "He’s very detail-oriented," Raducanu explained. "We’ve worked a lot on small adjustments that make a big difference under pressure."
Tactical Tweaks
Notable changes in Raducanu’s game included:
- Earlier preparation: Reduced backswing on returns for quicker reactions.
- Cross-court emphasis: Used angles to pull Danilovic wide before finishing down the line.
- Drop shot integration: Deployed three successful drop shots after identifying Danilovic’s deep court positioning.
Danilovic’s Struggles
The 23-year-old qualifier, ranked No. 125, couldn’t match Raducanu’s intensity. Her first-serve percentage languished at 48%, and she committed 22 unforced errors. "Emma didn’t give me rhythm," Danilovic admitted. "She mixed pace and spins really well."
Looking Ahead
Raducanu faces a sterner test against world No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko in the second round. The Latvian leads their head-to-head 1-0, but Raducanu is optimistic: "I’m playing freer now. Esteban has helped me simplify my game plan." A win would mark her first top-10 victory since 2022.
With the US Open looming, Raducanu’s Cincinnati run could signal a turning point. As Carril put it: "Emma’s talent is undeniable. Our job is to help her execute consistently at the highest level."
The tennis world will watch closely to see if this partnership can reignite the spark that made Raducanu a global sensation three years ago. For now, the signs are promising.