Raducanu Discusses Trust in Rehiring Coach Richardson

Emma Raducanu expressed that it is "very difficult to say" she made a mistake in parting ways with coach Andrew Richardson after her victory at the 2021 US Open. The British tennis player recently decided to rehire Richardson almost five years after her remarkable triumph, aiming to revitalize a career that has struggled to meet early expectations. Raducanu, who began her French Open campaign against Argentina's Solana Sierra on Sunday, has faced numerous injuries and illnesses in recent years. The 23-year-old has advanced beyond the third round of a major tournament only once since her win in New York and currently ranks 37th in the world.

When asked if ending her collaboration with the 52-year-old Briton Richardson was a mistake, Raducanu commented, "Everything in my life changed upside down. I didn’t really think I had a handle over the situation in the sense that I was being pulled left and right. I didn’t really know what was going on. A lot of experiences over the last few years have taught me about what I didn’t want. It taught me that I really value having people I trust and connect with around me. It’s really nice to have that feeling back."

Raducanu and Richardson first reconnected in April for a four-day training session at the Ferrer Tennis Academy in Spain, where Richardson serves as the tennis director. She announced their full-time reunion earlier in May, confirming they would collaborate for the remainder of the season. Raducanu initiated the reconnection by sending Richardson a text, stating, "We kept on good terms and it was one of those moments when the timing was right. He doesn’t care about the noise and is really good at centring me."

Raducanu's initial match back with Richardson ended in a straight-set loss against France’s Diane Parry in Strasbourg last week. Arriving at Roland Garros after a prolonged absence from the court due to a viral illness, Raducanu chose not to forego the clay-court major. "There was definitely the option to start on the grass straight away," she shared. "Putting the miles in the legs on the dirt will help me for next year’s clay-court season, help build up the physical and technical skills, and getting competitive match practice so I’m not starting at ground zero. I’m pleased I made this decision to play, and regardless of results, I know it is the right one."

Since her unforgettable run at the US Open, Raducanu has notably performed better when supported by trusted, long-term confidants. The frequent changes in her coaching staff led to a return to almost the beginning of her coaching journey. At Roland Garros, Raducanu demonstrated a different demeanor compared to the tense atmosphere at the Australian Open. During a practice session alongside fellow Briton Francesca Jones, she displayed the focus and intensity that had been previously missing.

Richardson, known for his traditional coaching style, emphasizes work ethic and practice, providing Raducanu with the close guidance she thrives on. He encourages a competitive spirit in her while also maintaining a lighter atmosphere, allowing Raducanu to exhibit a relaxed attitude in a pre-tournament discussion with British journalists. Her progress will be evident when she competes against Sierra.