The former US Open champion takes a measured approach to finding the right coach following Cavaday’s departure

Emma Raducanu is embracing a new phase in her career, marked by a crucial decision—finding her seventh coach. After Nick Cavaday’s recent departure due to health reasons, the British tennis star is taking her time before rushing into a new coaching relationship.

Raducanu, who is currently competing at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, is not one to make impulsive decisions. “It’s a decision that I want to take my time with,” Raducanu shared, explaining that she is carefully considering her options to ensure that the next coach is the right fit for her evolving needs.

With Cavaday stepping down after the Australian Open, Raducanu turned to former junior coach Roman Kelecic for temporary support in Abu Dhabi. Kelecic, who previously travelled with Raducanu during her junior ITF days, was brought on court after Raducanu reconnected with him. “I wanted to see him anyway to catch up, so I texted him to catch up, and now he’s on court with me,” Raducanu explained.

Though currently without a permanent coach, Raducanu views this time as an opportunity for self-discovery. “This period is going to teach me a lot, what I want, what I don’t want in the next person,” she said. It’s a break from the coaching carousel that has defined much of her career since winning the US Open, allowing Raducanu to reflect on what works best for her in a coach-athlete relationship.

In the midst of the tournament, Raducanu is focusing on her well-being. She reports feeling physically healthy, with no pressing injuries. Without a permanent coach, she has embraced a more solitary approach to her practice, challenging herself with windy conditions and improving her physical state compared to the previous season.

Beyond the court, Raducanu has found peace in solo activities like walks, coffee dates, and reading. Her current book of choice is Jane Austen’s Emma, a work she has developed a fondness for since her GCSEs. “I’ve had a lot of time to look inside and look internally,” Raducanu shared, as she navigated this time of reflection and growth.

With the Abu Dhabi Open underway, Raducanu’s eyes are set on her upcoming match against former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova. As she continues her search for the right coach, it’s clear that Raducanu is prioritising the long-term picture of her career over immediate results.