Emma Raducanu’s career trajectory since her sensational 2021 US Open triumph has been marked by extraordinary highs and challenging lows. Now, the British star has taken a significant step to revitalize her career by hiring fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, a seasoned professional known for his work with tennis legends like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. This move signals Raducanu’s intent to address one of her career’s most significant hurdles: maintaining consistent fitness to compete at the highest level.
Battling Through Injuries
Raducanu’s remarkable victory in New York over three years ago catapulted her into global stardom. At just 18 years old, she became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam, and the media frenzy that followed brought immense pressure. Unfortunately, the young talent has struggled to meet those expectations, largely due to persistent injuries.
Her fitness issues culminated in 2023 when she underwent surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, forcing her to end her season prematurely. While fans hoped for a strong comeback in 2024, Raducanu’s season was again disrupted by recurring injuries, limiting her time on the court. The second half of the year, in particular, highlighted her challenges in staying match-fit, leaving her with a lot to prove heading into 2025.
A New Chapter: Collaboration with Yutaka Nakamura
In an effort to overcome her physical struggles, Raducanu has enlisted Nakamura to guide her fitness journey. His extensive experience, particularly with players known for their athleticism and endurance, makes him a promising addition to her team. Nakamura’s approach is integrative, blending strength, agility, and resilience training to help players maximize their physical potential.
Raducanu expressed optimism about this partnership, stating, “I think he is going to help me just really explore how far I can go, athletically. I think it’s a big strength of mine that I have nowhere near fulfilled. I think I can become one of the best athletes out there in tennis, and I’m just looking forward to seeing how much I can do.”
The 22-year-old also emphasized how Nakamura’s methods align seamlessly with her overall strategy, which now includes a more integrated approach with her coach, Nick Bollettieri-trained mentor.
Encouraging Signs in 2024
Despite her struggles, Raducanu has shown flashes of brilliance during her limited appearances in 2024. She competed at the Billie Jean King Cup in Malaga, representing Great Britain, and recorded three consecutive victories. Reflecting on those matches, she shared a positive update about her physical condition, saying, “I feel like I’m in a pretty good place to just get on court as much as I can. I feel really strong. I feel really fit.”
While her fitness on the training court has been promising, Raducanu acknowledged that match play presents a different challenge. “The only thing I can’t really speak for is I haven’t played that many matches,” she admitted. “But at Billie Jean King Cup, I felt good. I recovered well. I wasn’t tired in the matches. It would just be good to see as the level increases, and if I have to play more back-to-back, how I’m going to react.”
Signs of Resurgence
Raducanu’s 2024 season wasn’t without its highlights. She reached six WTA quarterfinals and a semifinal at the Nottingham Open, showcasing her ability to compete with top-tier players when healthy. One of her standout moments came at Eastbourne, where she secured her first career victory over a top-10 player, defeating Jessica Pegula. These achievements, though scattered, indicate that Raducanu remains a formidable force on the court when her body allows her to perform at her best.
Her progress has fueled hopes for a return to the upper echelons of the WTA rankings. Once ranked as high as world No. 10 in July 2022, Raducanu now sits outside the top 50. However, tennis experts, including former British No. 1 Tim Henman, believe that with improved resilience, Raducanu could quickly climb back up the rankings.
Henman’s Perspective: Building Resilience
Henman has emphasized the importance of Raducanu building physical and mental resilience to handle the rigors of the professional tour. “The challenge for Raducanu is around physical resilience,” Henman said on the Sky Sports Tennis podcast. “She has had a decent year, going from around 300 into the top 60, but when you look at the amount of tennis she’s played, it hasn’t been a great deal.”
Henman pointed to Katie Boulter’s example as a pathway for Raducanu to follow. “You saw Katie at the end of the year playing four or five tournaments in a row. She made a final in Hong Kong at the last event of the year and finished in the top 25.”
For Raducanu, the key will be maintaining consistency and health over a sustained period. “If she builds up that resilience, every time she steps on the court, she’s playing good tennis,” Henman added. “Therefore, top 50, top 30 in 2025, I think is completely realistic.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Raducanu prepares for the new season under Nakamura’s guidance, her goals for 2025 extend beyond rankings. The Brit is eager to establish herself as a reliable competitor on the WTA Tour, capable of withstanding the physical demands of a full season.
Raducanu’s decision to invest in her fitness and embrace a holistic training approach marks a pivotal moment in her career. If she can remain injury-free and build on her potential, the 22-year-old could re-establish herself as a top contender in women’s tennis. For now, fans and analysts alike will watch closely as she embarks on this new chapter, hoping to witness the resurgence of a player whose talent once electrified the tennis world.