Emma Raducanu, the 21-year-old tennis sensation who made history by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, is on a unique journey in her professional career, both on and off the court. Since her meteoric rise to fame, Raducanu has found herself constantly in the spotlight, facing the intense pressure of living up to expectations while also navigating the challenges that come with being a top-level athlete. One of the more unusual aspects of her journey has been her frequent coaching changes. After splitting with five different coaches, Raducanu is currently working with her childhood coach, Nick Cavaday, as she continues her comeback following a series of surgeries and injuries.
Raducanu’s rapid rise to the top of the tennis world was a dream come true, but it also brought with it a host of challenges. Following her sensational US Open victory, many predicted that she would continue to dominate the tennis scene. However, the young Briton has faced her fair share of setbacks, and one of the most notable has been her coaching carousel. Raducanu’s first coach after her US Open triumph, Andrew Richardson, was dismissed, leaving many wondering why a player who had achieved so much in such a short time would make such a drastic decision. Since then, Raducanu has worked with several coaches, including Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Sebastian Sachs, each of whom had a brief tenure in her camp.
In 2024, after a year of recovery from surgery, Raducanu decided to return to familiar ground and reunite with Nick Cavaday, the coach who had worked with her during her junior career. This decision seems to mark a shift in Raducanu’s approach to her career, opting for comfort and a more stable, long-term coaching relationship. For Raducanu, working with Cavaday represents a return to her roots, and she has expressed how much she values the familiarity and trust that comes with their partnership.
In March 2024, Raducanu spoke about her decision to work with Cavaday, explaining the personal connection and shared understanding they have built over the years. “I’ve known him for a long time so it’s the familiarity aspect, it’s very nice. I feel we just work in the same way,” Raducanu said. “I think a lot of coaches wouldn’t really understand the way that I like to operate and a lot of players wouldn’t understand how he likes to operate, so I think we’re very complimentary of each other.” This mutual understanding appears to be paying off, as Raducanu has shown signs of improvement in her game during her comeback.
Despite her positive relationship with Cavaday and the improvements in her game, Raducanu’s coaching situation continues to be a topic of interest in the tennis world. She is still navigating the pressures of living up to her US Open title and figuring out how to balance her career in a way that ensures long-term success. In light of her coaching changes, it’s clear that Raducanu’s journey is far from conventional, and she has been open about the challenges that come with finding the right coaching fit.
Amidst the coaching drama surrounding Raducanu, one of her fellow players, world No. 9 Ons Jabeur, has made headlines by revealing her interest in working with the Briton in the future. Jabeur, who is 29 years old and a three-time Grand Slam finalist, recently expressed her willingness to collaborate with Raducanu, though not as her main coach. Instead, Jabeur suggested that she could serve as a consultant or advisor to Raducanu, offering guidance and advice on the tennis court. “I would say Emma Raducanu,” Jabeur said during an interview on Eurosport. “I have a good relationship with her and I think I can help a little bit with some advice. I mean, I would not be the main coach, I would be the consultant, I guess, a new job. Emma, if you’re hiring, I’m available.”
The idea of Jabeur working with Raducanu is intriguing, especially given the rapport the two players have developed over the years. Raducanu has spoken highly of Jabeur, noting that the Tunisian player has taken her under her wing as a mentor. “I really like Ons, she’s someone who’s kind of taken me under her wing as I’ve been new to the tour,” Raducanu said in an interview before their 2023 Abu Dhabi Open clash. This relationship has been valuable for Raducanu as she navigates the complexities of the WTA Tour, and Jabeur’s willingness to offer support could be another asset to the young Briton as she continues to evolve as a player.
When the two players met in the round-of-16 at the Abu Dhabi Open earlier this year, Jabeur claimed a 6-4, 6-1 victory, but she was quick to acknowledge the challenges Raducanu presented during the match. “Well, she didn’t make it easy for me. Obviously, Emma is such an amazing player,” Jabeur said after the match. “I really wish her all the best and I know she can play much better, so I’m a big fan of her. I’m looking forward to seeing her win more matches. Not against me but against other players.” Jabeur’s words of encouragement and belief in Raducanu’s potential were a testament to the mutual respect between the two players, and it’s clear that Jabeur sees great things ahead for Raducanu.
Raducanu’s coaching journey, marked by multiple changes and a recent return to her roots with Cavaday, has undoubtedly been a rollercoaster. However, it’s evident that the 21-year-old is determined to find the right path forward. She’s made it clear that she values stability and familiarity, and her relationship with Cavaday seems to be a step in the right direction. As Raducanu prepares for the grass-court season, starting with her appearance at the Nottingham tournament in June, many will be watching to see how her game continues to develop under Cavaday’s guidance.
For now, Raducanu is focused on her comeback, having dealt with injuries and surgeries that temporarily halted her progress. With the 2024 season in full swing, Raducanu has shown promise, and working with a coach she trusts could provide the stability she needs to reach her full potential. While her coaching situation has been a subject of debate, one thing is certain: Raducanu’s talent and determination remain undeniable, and she is fully capable of returning to the top of the tennis world if she continues to find the right support. Whether with Cavaday, Jabeur, or another mentor, Raducanu’s journey is far from over, and her future in tennis is still full of promise.