Emma Raducanu’s search for consistent form continues, and a familiar voice in tennis is suggesting a potentially unconventional path forward: a period without a traditional coach. Former British number one Greg Rusedski believes the 23-year-old could benefit from a self-discovery phase, echoing a strategy once employed by Roger Federer.
A Coaching Carousel
Raducanu recently parted ways with coach Francisco Roig following the Australian Open, marking the eighth permanent coaching change of her professional career. Roig, who previously worked with Rafael Nadal for 17 years, had been with Raducanu since August of last year. Currently, she is being accompanied by LTA trainer Alexis Canter.
The frequency of coaching changes has been a recurring topic of discussion surrounding Raducanu since her breakthrough 2021 US Open victory. While her talent is undeniable, finding a stable coaching relationship has proven elusive.
Federer’s Example
Rusedski, speaking on his podcast “Off Court with Greg,” drew parallels between Raducanu’s current situation and a pivotal moment in Federer’s career. “I remember Roger Federer going through a period by himself without a coach, and that was possibly the best thing for him,” Rusedski stated. “He figured out certain things on his own and took responsibility.”
This period of independent growth allowed Federer to gain a deeper understanding of his own game and build a stronger sense of ownership, according to Rusedski. The suggestion isn’t to abandon coaching altogether, but rather to allow Raducanu space to clarify her own approach before committing to another long-term partnership.
Finding Clarity and Alignment
Rusedski emphasized the importance of Raducanu finding clarity within her own game. He pointed to her recent performance at the Winners Open in Romania, where she reached the final, as evidence of her potential when working with Canter. “We saw her get to the final in Romania. She has to figure it out for herself and find a relationship where she is on the same wavelength with the coach,” he explained.
He recalled Raducanu’s aggressive and successful style of play under Mark Petchey during her impressive run at Wimbledon, where she was ultimately defeated by Aryna Sabalenka. This suggests that a clear tactical identity and a coach who fully supports that identity are crucial for Raducanu’s success.
“A little bit of time without a permanent coach, maybe with someone just traveling and training with her, could be really positive until she finds someone who she’s on the same page with week in and week out,” Rusedski added. “She hasn’t found that person yet. Hopefully she will.”
Recent Results and Future Outlook
Following her split with Roig, Raducanu reached the final of the Transylvania Open, her first final appearance since her stunning US Open triumph in 2021. However, her subsequent results have been mixed. She was forced to retire at the Qatar Open and suffered a first-round loss at the Dubai Championships.
The current situation presents both challenges and opportunities for Raducanu. While the lack of a permanent coach might be unsettling for some, it could provide the space she needs to reassess her game and identify what she truly needs from a coaching relationship. The path forward isn’t necessarily about finding the “right” coach, but about Raducanu finding the right fit – a coach who understands her vision and can help her unlock her full potential.
The tennis world will be watching closely to see how Raducanu navigates this period of self-discovery and whether she can replicate Federer’s success by thriving during a time of independent growth. The next few tournaments will be crucial in determining whether this unconventional approach will pay dividends for the young British star.
