Emma Raducanu is embracing a fresh chapter in her tennis journey, choosing not to seek a new coach after parting ways with Francisco Roig. Instead, she's focusing on rediscovering her aggressive style of play, reminiscent of her early days on the court.
Roig, known for his work with Rafael Nadal, left Raducanu's team in January. Despite a strong personal rapport, their visions for her game didn't align. After a second-round exit at the Australian Open to Anastasia Potapova, Raducanu expressed a desire to return to a playing style more akin to her younger self.
Her recent performance in Romania was a step in the right direction, reaching her first final since her 2021 US Open triumph. Working closely with hitting partner Alexis Canter, a former British player, Raducanu feels confident in her current setup.
"I have Alexis in my corner," she shared. "He knows me well, and we've had success together.
It's about honing those key fundamentals and playing more aggressively."
However, her run to the final in Cluj-Napoca came with challenges, as she caught a virus that's been tough to shake. Speaking to Sky Sports, Raducanu found positives in her Transylvania Open final loss, noting her growing on-court identity and commitment to playing her way.
The Middle East tournaments were tough, with first-round exits and on-court medical consultations, but Raducanu is optimistic these struggles are behind her.
Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend highlighted Raducanu's ongoing journey of self-discovery. "She's spent much of her career re-evaluating, which explains the coaching changes. It's about finding what truly works for her on and off the court."
Raducanu's coaching history is a testament to her search for the right fit. From Nigel Sears, who guided her breakthrough at Wimbledon, to Andrew Richardson, who was instrumental in her US Open victory, and several others, each coach has played a role in her development.
In a commercial move, Raducanu has become a global brand ambassador for Uniqlo, joining the likes of Roger Federer. This partnership underscores her market appeal and includes involvement in designing her on-court attire.
Despite recent challenges, Raducanu holds a solid position at No. 25 in the world rankings. As she prepares for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, starting March 4, she's focused on regaining full health and making a strong impact. Her journey continues to captivate, as fans eagerly await her next steps on the court.