Emma Raducanu has announced she is in discussions with a renowned fitness coach as she gears up for her much-anticipated return to the court at the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The 2021 US Open champion has been candid about her desire to enhance her physical conditioning, admitting that she has yet to unlock the full extent of her athletic potential.
Raducanu, who is slated to represent Great Britain in their first-round knockout tie against Germany, is embracing the opportunity to take her game to the next level by bolstering her physicality. The start of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga was delayed by heavy rain and flooding, pushing the opening from Wednesday to Thursday. Despite these complications, Raducanu remains focused and excited to return to competitive play.
The 22-year-old has been absent from the tennis circuit for nearly two months, her last appearance being a quarterfinal match at the Korea Open against Daria Kasatkina, where she suffered a ligament sprain in her foot. This injury forced Raducanu to withdraw from a series of tournaments during the Asian swing, including events in Beijing, Wuhan, Ningbo, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. While these setbacks were undoubtedly frustrating, Raducanu views them as an opportunity to regroup and emerge stronger.
In preparation for her comeback, Raducanu confirmed she is in talks with Yutaka Nakamura, a highly-respected fitness trainer known for his work with tennis stars Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. “I think my goal next year is to stay on court longer,” Raducanu told reporters during a press conference in Malaga. “This year I reached the top 60 in the world, but I played fewer than 15 events. I know if I’m on court consistently, healthy, and competing, I can go even higher and achieve more.”
Raducanu expressed her determination to maximize her physical capabilities. “I think that my athleticism is a strength of mine, but it’s nowhere near its full potential,” she noted. “I’m just looking forward to exploring that further and am ready to commit to doing so.” Her focus on fitness marks a pivotal step in her development as a player, particularly as she seeks to enhance her endurance, power, and on-court mobility.
While many players are winding down their seasons, Raducanu sees this period as the beginning of her preparation for 2024. “While it’s the end of the season for a lot of players, I feel I’m just beginning to kick-start and get things in motion,” she said. “I’ve been training really well, training hard, and already building towards next year. I’m not really looking to have any more time off.”
Raducanu’s optimism extends beyond her training regimen; she is eager to test her progress in competition this week in Malaga. “I’m just looking forward to competing here and using this experience to build and improve for next year,” she emphasized. The British star’s enthusiasm and drive reflect her belief that the challenges she faced in 2023 have only strengthened her resolve.
Due to the severe weather conditions in Malaga, which caused flooding and the closure of practice facilities, teams were unable to train as planned. Despite this setback, Raducanu found a way to enjoy her 22nd birthday, which coincided with the disruption. “I’m really grateful that my team made a big effort yesterday to make me feel special,” she shared with a smile. “There were birthday banners, cake, balloons—it was really nice. We couldn’t go out or do much because of the weather, but it was still a memorable day.”
Raducanu’s resilience and positive outlook have endeared her to fans and fellow competitors alike. Her journey since her stunning victory at the US Open in 2021 has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Injuries and inconsistent form have posed challenges, but her determination to evolve and improve remains steadfast. By collaborating with a coach of Nakamura’s pedigree, Raducanu is signaling her intent to become a more formidable force on the WTA Tour.
As she prepares to face Germany alongside her British teammates, Raducanu knows that the road to achieving her goals will not be easy. Yet, she is ready to put in the work, both physically and mentally, to reach new heights. “I know that there are areas of my game and fitness that can improve significantly, and I’m committed to making those changes,” she stated. With her characteristic blend of humility and ambition, Raducanu is determined to prove that her success at the US Open was just the beginning.
The tennis world will be watching closely as Raducanu steps back onto the court, eager to see how her renewed focus on fitness and preparation translates into results. For now, she is taking it one match at a time, grateful for the chance to compete and driven by the desire to reach her full potential. With her talent, work ethic, and a team dedicated to her success, Raducanu’s journey promises to be an exciting one to follow in the years to come.