Emma Raducanu’s search for the right coaching fit continues after her recent split with Vlado Platenik, a decision that has sent ripples through the tennis world. The Slovakian coach, who worked with Raducanu for a mere two weeks, has made surprising comments about their brief time together and the reasons behind the sudden termination. This latest dismissal marks the seventh coaching change for the young star in just four years, raising questions about her approach to mentorship and the pressures she faces.
Platenik’s Perspective: Rapid Improvement and External Pressure
Despite the short-lived partnership, Platenik expressed surprise at how quickly Raducanu was learning. In an interview with The Telegraph, he stated, “I never had a player who improved as fast as Emma.” He highlighted the progress they made in footwork positioning and serve technique, noting improvements in her ball toss and second serve.
However, Platenik also acknowledged the immense pressure Raducanu has been under since her unexpected US Open victory in 2021. He told BBC Sport that Raducanu said she was feeling stressed. He believes this pressure, coupled with the constant scrutiny from the media and public, played a significant role in her decision to end their collaboration. “I totally understand Emma, she’s not in an easy position. The world is looking at her after the US Open and everybody is expecting – including herself – what she is going to do next,” Platenik said.
A Fair, But Quick, Decision
Platenik harbors no ill feelings towards Raducanu, acknowledging that “she finished the relationship in a fair way, maybe too quickly, but this is tennis, this is sport. We need to respect that.” He emphasized the importance of a player feeling comfortable and making decisions based on their own well-being.
The “Coaching Suicide” Job: Acknowledging the Unconventional Dynamic
In an earlier interview with a Slovakian newspaper, Platenik himself described working with Raducanu as “coaching suicide,” a statement that now seems prescient given the brevity of their partnership. He also alluded to the significant involvement of Raducanu’s father, Ian, in the coaching selection process, an unconventional dynamic that adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Management’s Statement and Raducanu’s Silence
Raducanu’s management team released a statement saying, “Emma has the utmost respect for Vlado and the work they started but it wasn’t quite heading in the right direction.” Raducanu herself has remained relatively silent on the matter, leaving Platenik’s comments to fill the void and provide insight into the decision-making process.
The Search for Stability: Raducanu’s Coaching History
Raducanu’s history with coaches has been well-documented, marked by frequent changes and a lack of long-term partnerships. Some notable splits include:
- Andrew Richardson: Coached Raducanu during her US Open triumph but was surprisingly let go shortly after.
- Nigel Sears: Mentored Raducanu during her impressive Wimbledon run in 2021.
- Torben Beltz: A German coach who parted ways with Raducanu just two months before Wimbledon in 2022.
Extraneous Factors and the Need for Constancy
Beyond the coaching changes, Raducanu’s career has been plagued by injuries and off-court distractions, including instances of being stalked. These factors have undoubtedly contributed to the instability surrounding her, making the search for a consistent and supportive coaching environment all the more crucial.
Platenik’s Optimism and Advice for the Future
Despite the abrupt end to their collaboration, Platenik remains optimistic about Raducanu’s future. He believes that if she can stabilize the technical improvements they worked on, she has the potential to return to the world’s top 20.
Focusing on Technical Improvements
Platenik detailed the specific areas they focused on during their brief time together:
- Footwork positioning: Improving her ability to move and react on the court.
- Serve technique: Enhancing her consistency and power, particularly on her second serve.
- Aggressiveness: Encouraging her to be more assertive and take control of rallies.
By continuing to build on these foundations, Platenik believes Raducanu can unlock her full potential and achieve sustained success on the WTA Tour.
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