Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation who captivated the world with her improbable US Open victory in 2021, is once again in search of a coach. The 22-year-old’s recent split with Vladimir Platenik after a mere 14 days highlights the ongoing instability in her coaching setup. As Raducanu navigates her career, the question remains: can she find the right guidance to unlock her full potential and return to the top of the game?
Raducanu’s Recent Coaching Change: A Familiar Story
In March 2025, Emma Raducanu parted ways with coach Vladimir Platenik after a brief trial period. Platenik, who has previously coached players like Daria Kasatkina, joined Raducanu’s team with the hope of guiding her through the clay season. However, the partnership ended even before her first match at the Miami Open. Raducanu’s management team stated that while there was mutual respect, the collaboration “wasn’t quite heading in the right direction”.
This split marks yet another change in Raducanu’s coaching lineup. Since her breakthrough US Open win, she has worked with a series of coaches, including:
- Nigel Sears (April to July 2021)
- Andrew Richardson (September 2021)
- Torben Beltz (November 2021 to April 2022)
- Dmitry Tursunov (July to October 2022)
- Sebastian Sachs (November 2022 to June 2023)
- Nick Cavaday (January 2024 to January 2025)
The frequent changes have led to questions about Raducanu’s coaching strategy and whether the instability has impacted her performance.
The Impact of Coaching Changes on Raducanu’s Career
The revolving door of coaches has undoubtedly added complexity to Emma Raducanu’s career trajectory. While a fresh perspective can sometimes be beneficial, constant changes can disrupt a player’s development and consistency. Each coach brings a unique training style, tactical approach, and philosophy, requiring the player to adapt and adjust. This can be particularly challenging for a young player still refining her game.
Adapting to Different Coaching Styles
Raducanu’s former coach, Vlado Platenik, revealed that he and Emma worked “a bit differently than she was used to, improving a lot especially on footwork positioning.” While Platenik had positive things to say about Raducanu and even revealed that she was learning at a quicker rate than any of his former charges, the British star “wanted to pause the collaboration”.
The Search for Consistency
The lack of a consistent coaching voice has been a recurring theme in discussions about Raducanu’s career. Without a long-term mentor, it can be difficult to establish a clear direction and build the trust necessary for a successful player-coach relationship. The constant changes may also contribute to a lack of confidence and uncertainty on the court.
The Pressure of Expectations
Following her US Open triumph, Emma Raducanu has faced immense pressure and scrutiny. The weight of expectations, combined with the challenges of adapting to different coaches, has created a difficult environment for the young player. As Platenik mentioned, “For me it’s absolutely understandable that she’s under a lot of pressure. She told me she was feeling stressed”.
Raducanu’s “Old Guard” and What Comes Next
Despite the recent split with Platenik, there are signs that Raducanu is seeking stability and familiarity. LTA coach Colin Beecher was in the Brit’s box alongside Jane O’Donoghue, one of Raducanu’s long-standing mentors who has joined her at several tournaments over the last few years.
Reuniting with Familiar Faces
In January 2024, Raducanu reunited with her childhood coach, Nick Cavaday. Cavaday had worked with Raducanu when she was a junior and knows her game and personality well. “It’s nice to have someone who I’ve known for a long time, who I’ve known since I was a kid,” Emma said. “I think we understand each other. Not many people understand the way that I think”. Cavaday stepped down in January 2025 due to health concerns, leaving Raducanu once again in search of a new mentor.
The Importance of a Support System
Raducanu’s support system extends beyond her coaches. Her parents, Renee and Ian, have played a significant role in her career, instilling a strong work ethic and discipline. Physio Will Herbert is also a key member of her team, helping her manage the physical demands of professional tennis.
Finding the Right Balance
Moving forward, Emma Raducanu’s challenge will be to find the right balance between seeking new perspectives and maintaining stability. While it’s important to be open to different coaching styles and approaches, it’s equally important to establish a consistent foundation and build trust with a long-term mentor. The key may be to identify a coach who not only possesses the technical expertise but also understands Raducanu’s unique personality, playing style, and goals.
The Road Ahead
Emma Raducanu’s journey in professional tennis has been anything but predictable. From her stunning US Open victory to the subsequent challenges and coaching changes, she has experienced both the highs and lows of the sport. As she continues her search for the right coach, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if she can unlock her full potential and return to the top of the game. With her talent, determination, and the support of her inner circle, anything is possible.
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