Emma Raducanu is taking her time to find the right coach, fearing backlash if she makes the wrong call

Emma Raducanu finds herself at yet another career crossroads. The 22-year-old British tennis star is once again searching for a coach after parting ways with Nick Cavaday, and experts are urging her to tread carefully. Former British No.1 Laura Robson has warned that another abrupt coaching change could ignite a media frenzy, adding more pressure to an already pivotal year for Raducanu.

Since her stunning US Open triumph in 2021, Raducanu has struggled to maintain consistency—cycling through a string of high-profile coaches while battling injuries and form slumps. Now, she faces a critical decision: who will guide her back towards the top 20 in the WTA rankings?

Robson believes Raducanu must avoid rushing into another short-lived appointment, suggesting that her experienced fitness coach, Yutaka Nakamura, could help identify the right candidate.

“If she goes for someone and ends up changing it quickly, everyone will go nuts again,” Robson told Sky Sports.

Raducanu, fully aware of the scrutiny, seems to share the same cautious approach.

“It’s a decision that I want to take my time with,” she said. “I haven’t jumped into something straight away because I want to make sure it’s the right fit.”

This period without a coach, she added, is a chance for self-reflection—an opportunity to determine what she values in a long-term partnership.

A Crucial Period on the Court

While Raducanu searches for a coach, she is also focused on gaining valuable match experience. After a disappointing loss to Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open, she has committed to playing as many tournaments as possible.

She was beaten in a tight first-round match in Singapore last week but has chosen to compete again in Abu Dhabi, accepting a wildcard entry.

Robson applauded this approach, stating: “I loved the fact that she went to Singapore in the first place to get some matches in. It didn’t go as well as she would have hoped, but playing the week after is exactly what she has been trying to do for the last year.”

Raducanu’s immediate goal is to break back into the WTA top 50, and the upcoming clay-court season—where she has no points to defend—could provide the perfect launchpad for a ranking surge.

With Indian Wells and Miami fast approaching, Raducanu’s next few tournaments will be a litmus test for her progress. Whether she finds the right coach in time to capitalise on these opportunities remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the world will be watching.