Emma Raducanu is set to return to action at the Italian Open next week after reuniting with the coach who guided her to the US Open title in 2021. The British number one has been training in Spain with Andrew Richardson at the Ferrer Tennis Academy near Alicante, where he is based.
A Surprise Reunion
Raducanu faced criticism for parting ways with Richardson shortly after her stunning triumph in New York, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam. However, her camp confirmed she spent time last week working with him again. Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2023, Richardson expressed his willingness to continue their partnership after the US Open, but Raducanu opted to hire Torben Beltz, a more experienced tour coach.
That decision marked the beginning of a series of brief coaching stints for Raducanu. The most recent ended after the Australian Open when she split with Francisco Roig. Since then, she has primarily worked with hitting partner Alexis Canter, though she briefly turned to Mark Petchey during Indian Wells in March. Petchey, another former junior mentor, coached her alongside his TV duties last spring and summer but could not commit full-time.
Injury and Illness Concerns
Raducanu has been absent from the tour since a second-round defeat to Amanda Anisimova in Indian Wells. She withdrew from tournaments in Miami, Linz, and Madrid due to the lingering effects of a virus she contracted in early February. It was uncertain whether she would compete in Rome, but after returning to training, she is hopeful of playing. She is scheduled to practise at the Foro Italico on Saturday.
No Long-Term Plans Yet
The Press Association understands there are currently no plans for Richardson to take on a permanent role. Raducanu's immediate focus is on the Italian Open, which begins on Tuesday. Her return is a boost for British tennis, especially with Jack Draper sidelined for the rest of the clay-court season due to a knee injury.
