Emma Raducanu has rehired Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to a stunning US Open victory in 2021, on a formal basis as she prepares to return to competition next week in Strasbourg ahead of the French Open.
Raducanu Reunites with Former Coach
Richardson will accompany Raducanu at the WTA 500 event, marking her first competition in two months after struggling with a post-viral illness. During her return to the courts, Raducanu trained at Richardson's base at the Ferrer Academy in La Nucia, Spain, which served as a trial for a potential formal partnership.
In a statement, Raducanu said: "Grateful to have reconnected with someone who has known me for over a decade now and looking forward to building together one iteration at a time."
A Historic Partnership
The pair first worked together during Raducanu's youth. She initially worked with Nigel Sears at the start of her breakthrough summer in 2021, before joining forces with Richardson in July. Their partnership produced one of tennis's biggest surprises as the teenager won the US Open as a qualifier without dropping a set.
Less than two weeks later, Raducanu controversially chose not to extend their partnership, which had begun on a short-term interim basis. The decision sparked discussion, with many suggesting she should have continued with a familiar face after such a life-changing achievement.
Coaching Changes Since 2021
Raducanu has since struggled to find a permanent coach. She worked with Francisco Roig for six months before they parted in February; Roig now coaches six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. At Indian Wells in March, she travelled with LTA coach Alexis Canter.
Raducanu, now 23, has often turned to familiar faces from her pre-2021 days. Her longest coaching stint was with Nick Cavaday, another childhood coach, who stepped away due to personal health matters. Her return to the top 30 last year came with Mark Petchey, but his broadcast commitments meant they worked only informally.
Now she has returned to the coach who helped her achieve her greatest triumph, aiming to rebuild her career.
