Emma Raducanu is reportedly considering a significant addition to her coaching staff as she aims to reshape her fitness approach ahead of the 2025 tennis season. The 21-year-old British star, whose health challenges have been widely publicized, is exploring the possibility of bringing on board Yutaka Nakamura, a highly experienced fitness coach best known for his work with Maria Sharapova during her peak years on the WTA Tour. Nakamura, who was instrumental in maintaining Sharapova’s physical condition for nearly a decade, also had a notable stint with Naomi Osaka, making him one of the most respected figures in tennis fitness.
Raducanu’s career has been marred by a string of injuries, which have often disrupted her progress on the court. Following her breakthrough triumph at the 2021 US Open, the young Brit has faced persistent health setbacks, including wrist and ankle issues that led to surgeries in May 2023. After battling through these challenges and returning to the court at the start of 2024, Raducanu managed to stay relatively injury-free for most of the season until a ligament injury sidelined her for nearly two months. Now, as she plans her comeback, she is evaluating the possibility of working with Nakamura in hopes of building a more robust and resilient body.
“Emma Raducanu is looking at hiring Yutaka Nakamura, the fitness trainer who worked with Sharapova for eight years, and then Osaka among others. Will be a statement of intent if she goes ahead,” reported Simon Briggs of *The Telegraph*. Such a move would indeed signal a renewed commitment by Raducanu to prioritize her physical health and longevity in the sport. The fact that Raducanu is represented by Max Eisenbud, the same agent who helped transform Sharapova into a global superstar, suggests that any potential partnership with Nakamura could be smoothly negotiated.
**Rebuilding Strength and Resilience**
Raducanu’s pursuit of improved physical fitness is not a new endeavor. Following her phenomenal rise to fame in 2021, she endured a challenging 2022 season, plagued by wrist injuries that hampered her performance. In an effort to combat these recurring issues and fortify her body for the rigors of professional tennis, Raducanu enlisted Jez Green, former strength and conditioning coach to Andy Murray, at the end of 2022. At the time, her goal was clear: build a stronger physique capable of withstanding the intense demands of the WTA Tour and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Unfortunately, the plan did not unfold as hoped. Raducanu’s 2023 season was cut short almost as soon as it began when she suffered a severe ankle injury at her first tournament in Auckland. This setback was a harsh reminder of the fragility of her physical state. After participating in only five tournaments, she decided to address her injuries surgically. However, the road to recovery proved to be far more complex and time-consuming than initially anticipated.
“I was out for eight months and I had three surgeries, and the rehab wasn’t as straightforward as everyone planned,” Raducanu revealed during an interview with HSBC in late October. “Initially, the return to play was only meant to be four months, and it ended up being double because I came back a bit too quickly and then did more damage. So I think I also learned a lesson in patience and trying to rush things.”
Raducanu also reflected on the mental toll of being sidelined, admitting that she found it difficult to watch tennis during her recovery. “When you’re on the sidelines watching everything go past you… it was difficult. I just had to shut it off and actually couldn’t watch anything,” she said.
**The Setback in Asia and Hope for the Future**
For Raducanu, Asia holds a special place in her heart, given her Chinese heritage through her mother. It was no surprise when she chose to make the Asian swing a priority in her 2024 schedule, stacking her year with events in the region. Her campaign began promisingly with a quarterfinal appearance in Seoul. However, her momentum was abruptly halted by a ligament injury, forcing her to withdraw.
Raducanu had high hopes for the Asian tournaments. “I always knew there was a really long block in Asia at the end of the year, and I didn’t want to overdo myself in the first half of the year… Asia was one of those [priorities] for me. I thrive in Asia. It’s where I truly feel at home,” she told *WTA Insider* at the start of the swing. Sadly, the injury prevented her from competing further, putting a damper on her plans.
Despite these setbacks, Raducanu’s determination remains unshaken. She is set to return to competition next week, representing Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. As she considers bringing Nakamura onto her team, there is a palpable sense of optimism about what the future may hold for the talented young star. Strengthening her physical foundation with the guidance of a seasoned expert could be the key to unlocking consistent success on the court and ensuring that her immense potential is fully realized in the years to come.