US Open champion Emma Raducanu has split from her coach Andrew Richardson. The Brit, who demolished the field in Flushing Meadows to lift the title, is looking for someone with tour experience.
Raducanu, at just 18 years old, has a mature head on her young shoulders. The Brit soared to prominence at Wimbledon, making the fourth round before retiring with breathing difficulties, and had employed the services of Richardson after the home Grand Slam.
Richardson coached the young Brit when she was a junior. The Brit trialled Richardson again for the US Open. No one expected the result that the now British number 1 achieved. After Wimbledon Raducanu was ranked 200, the young Brit is now ranked 22.
Although seemingly a shocking decision, Raducanu made the right call. Speaking to the press and explaining the decision, the Brit said “It’s tough to have that conversation with anyone, but I need someone who’s had that professional tour experience, and has been through it, and seen players in my situation for many years, going through the same because it’s going to take a lot.”
The Brit is new to this level on the WTA tour. Raducanu needs an experienced mentor, someone who has been at this level with another player. Or even a former player themselves. The road is tough to the top. The Brit is aiming high, but is certainly in no rush to appoint a coach. Waiting for the right person.
Richardson doesn’t have the experience that the Brit needs. The split is sensible. The US Open champion will take her time to appoint a new coach. One name already touted is that of Darren Cahill. The Australian recently split from Simona Halep, so is available.
Cahill is a familiar name to Brits as he previously coached Andy Murray. It could be a good fit for Raducanu. Unlikely that the Brit will appoint a new coach until the off season, more time to find the right person. The Brit will also need someone willing to travel on the tour, as the season is a very long one.
Whoever Emma Raducanu choses as her next coach, the prospects for the young Brit to move up the rankings even further and claim more titles are great.
Main Photo from Getty.
