Nick Kyrgios has jumped to the defense of Emma Raducanu, questioning critics who have scrutinized her form and frequent coaching changes, particularly during her recent run at the Miami Open. Kyrgios’s comments come amidst Raducanu’s impressive performance at the event, sparking debate about the importance of coaches in tennis.
Kyrgios Shuts Down Critics
Kyrgios took to social media to voice his support for Raducanu, after her strong showing at the Miami Open. He pointed out the silence of her critics now that she is winning. He also added a jab at the importance of coaches, implying they are overrated.
Kyrgios wrote: “People awfully quiet that Radacanu is winning now. Where all the experts at now? Lol coach’s overrated.”
Raducanu’s Coaching Carousel
Raducanu’s career has been marked by a series of short-lived coaching partnerships. Most recently, she parted ways with Vladimir Platenik after just two weeks and one match. This continues a trend that has seen her work with several coaches, including:
- Nick Cavaday
- Tom Welsh
- Torben Beltz
- Dimitry Tursunov
- Andrew Richardson
- Jane O’Donoghue
Her decision to part ways with Andrew Richardson shortly after her 2021 US Open victory drew particular attention.
Miami Open Success Amidst Turbulence
Despite the coaching instability and a difficult start to 2025, Raducanu has found success at the Miami Open. She has secured impressive wins, including a victory over American eighth-seed Emma Navarro, which has been described as her best win of the year. She reached the last 16 of the Miami Open.
Kyrgios’s Own Coaching History
Kyrgios himself has famously gone without a coach for most of his professional career. He has rejected offers from prominent figures like John McEnroe and Boris Becker. Kyrgios reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 without a coach.
Kyrgios has stated that he wouldn’t want to put a coach through the experience of working with him, acknowledging his sometimes unpredictable nature.
Is Coaching Overrated?
Kyrgios’s defense of Raducanu raises the question of whether a coach is truly essential for a tennis player’s success. Raducanu’s performance in Miami, achieved without a full-time coach, suggests that other factors may be more important. She has been working with former coach Mark Petchey, fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, and Jane O’Donoghue.
Mutual Respect
The support between Kyrgios and Raducanu appears to be mutual. Raducanu publicly supported Kyrgios during his Wimbledon final appearance in 2022, and Kyrgios expressed his gratitude in return.
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