Emma Raducanu Aims to Revive Aggressive Playing Style Amid Coaching Changes
British number one Emma Raducanu has disclosed that she is not actively searching for a new coach following her recent separation from Francisco Roig. The Spaniard departed her team last month after a six-month collaboration, where personal rapport was strong but tactical alignment on her playing approach proved lacking.
Raducanu's Strategic Shift and Recent Performance
After a second-round defeat to Anastasia Potapova at the Australian Open, Raducanu expressed a desire to return to a playing style reminiscent of her younger years. This sentiment was followed by a notable performance at her next tournament in Romania, where she advanced to her first final since her historic 2021 US Open triumph.
In that final in Cluj-Napoca, Raducanu managed only two games against Sorana Cirstea, and the effort took a physical toll. She contracted a persistent virus that hampered her subsequent appearances, leading to first-round exits in two Middle Eastern tournaments where she required medical attention on court.
Current Team Dynamics and Training Focus
Raducanu is currently working exclusively with hitting partner Alexis Canter, a 27-year-old former British player whose career-high ranking peaked at 779 last year. She emphasised her satisfaction with this arrangement, highlighting Canter's deep understanding of her as both a person and a player.
"Right now I wouldn't say I'm actively looking for a coach," Raducanu told The Guardian. "I have Alexis in my corner. He knows me as a person. He knows me as a player and I've actually had some success with him in the past year. So it's going well."
She elaborated on her training philosophy, stating, "I know the drills that I need to be doing... just repetition of doing those key fundamentals. I think I want to go back to that and a more aggressive style of playing."
Commercial Endeavours and Health Recovery
Raducanu made these comments in Japan during her unveiling as a global brand ambassador for clothing retailer Uniqlo. This prestigious deal places her among an elite group including Roger Federer and underscores her lasting commercial appeal. The partnership will involve her actively participating in designing her on-court attire, marking a shift from her previous sponsorship with Nike.
Regarding her recent health struggles, Raducanu explained, "I had really long effects for the last three weeks. I've been trying to clear them. So the Middle East trip was very difficult for me. I'm getting ready for Indian Wells and just trying to get back to full health. And I still have a bit of time, so I'm just looking forward to doing my best to be ready for that."
Future Prospects and Ranking Position
At 23 years old, Raducanu maintains a solid position at world number 25 in the rankings. She is now focusing on recuperation and preparation for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which commences on March 4. A strong performance there could signal a successful return to her aggressive playing roots and bolster her standing in professional tennis.
