Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has candidly addressed the recent departure of her coach, Nick Cavaday, and its impact on her current form. Cavaday stepped down from his coaching role due to health concerns, a decision that has left Raducanu reflecting on the challenges of his absence.
Raducanu and Cavaday’s professional relationship began in early 2024, marking her most stable coaching partnership to date. Under his guidance, she made a commendable return to the world’s top 60 after an eight-month hiatus necessitated by surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle. Their collaboration culminated in a third-round appearance at the Australian Open, after which Cavaday chose to prioritize his health. He stated, “At this moment in time, it’s important for me to spend some more time at home and prioritize getting back to full health, which is hard to do with the extensive calendar.”
Reflecting on their time together, Raducanu expressed gratitude for Cavaday’s support during a pivotal period in her career. “I’d like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit, especially post-surgeries,” she remarked. “He helped get me back inside the world’s top 60. I wish him all the best in his next chapter and no doubt we’ll stay … .”
The 22-year-old British tennis star has faced criticism in the past for frequent coaching changes, having worked with six full-time coaches since her breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2021. However, the conclusion of her partnership with Cavaday was beyond her control, stemming from his personal health considerations. This development has prompted Raducanu to introspect on the challenges of maintaining form amid such transitions.
In the wake of Cavaday’s departure, Raducanu has been focusing on personal growth and self-reliance. She has turned to literature, reading Jane Austen’s “Emma,” and has been engaging in solo activities to combat the loneliness inherent in the tennis tour. “I’ve been taking solo walks and going on solo coffee dates, just enjoying my own company,” she shared. These practices have provided her with a sense of independence and introspection during this transitional phase.
Currently, Raducanu is in Singapore, preparing for an upcoming WTA tournament. She is accompanied by her fitness trainer, Yut … and is temporarily working with coach Roman Kelecic. Despite the coaching vacancy, Raducanu is not rushing to appoint a new full-time coach, opting instead to carefully evaluate potential candidates. This approach reflects her desire to find a suitable long-term partnership that can support her ambitions on the tour.
As she navigates this period of change, Raducanu remains focused on her goals for the season. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining her health and developing a consistent playing identity. “The biggest goal I have going forward is just being healthy, being injury-free,” she stated. “And then tennis-wise, I think it’s really important for me to approach it with the identity of how I want to play and not let anything dictate that.”
Raducanu’s openness about the challenges she faces highlights the pressures of professional tennis and the resilience required to overcome them. Her commitment to personal growth and careful consideration of her coaching needs demonstrate a mature approach to her career as she seeks to regain and surpass her previou
s successes.
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