Raducanu’s Coaching Carousel Continues: Latest Split Confirmed After Just One Match

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has once again parted ways with a coach, this time after a mere 14 days and one match with Vladimir ‘Vlado’ Platenik. This latest split underscores the instability in Raducanu’s coaching relationships since her breakthrough triumph, leaving many to question the reasons behind the frequent changes and their impact on her performance. The British No. 2’s search for a consistent mentor continues as she navigates the challenges of the professional tennis circuit.

Raducanu’s Brief Partnership with Platenik Ends Abruptly

Raducanu’s trial period with Platenik began in Indian Wells in early March 2025. He was present in her box during her first-round defeat to Moyuka Uchijima. However, Platenik was absent from her box for her subsequent match at the Miami Open, a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Japanese wildcard Sayaka Ishi, fueling speculation about the status of their partnership.

A statement from Raducanu’s team confirmed the split, stating that while she had “utmost respect” for Platenik, the partnership “wasn’t quite heading in the right direction.” Raducanu is now continuing her search for a new coach in Miami.

Awkward Interview and “Coaching Suicide” Comments

The abrupt end to the partnership was foreshadowed by an interview Platenik gave to Slovakian media shortly after joining Raducanu’s team. In the interview, he claimed he had previously rejected two offers from Raducanu because it would have been “coaching suicide”. Platenik told Slovakian newspaper Dennik N that “Emma also approached me in a similar situation right after a great success [in late 2021], which is why I said it could be coaching suicide [to work with her]. But now she is in a completely different position.”

He further added that he believed Raducanu had “already gone through hell” and was more mature than when she had previously approached him. Despite expressing hope for a long-term partnership, their collaboration ended after just two weeks.

A History of Coaching Changes

Platenik’s departure marks the seventh coaching change in Raducanu’s relatively short professional career. This frequent turnover has raised concerns about the impact on her development and consistency on the court. Here’s a list of Raducanu’s coaches:

• Nigel Sears: April to July 2021
• Andrew Richardson: July to September 2021 (split after US Open win)
• Torben Beltz: November 2021 to April 2022 (five months)
• Dmitry Tursunov: July to October 2022 (end of three-month trial)
• Sebastian Sachs: November 2022 to June 2023 (seven months)
• Nick Cavaday: January 2024 to January 2025 (12 months, Cavaday stepped down due to health reasons)
• Vladimir ‘Vlado’ Platenik: March 2025 (14 days)

Raducanu herself has acknowledged the high turnover of coaches but has maintained that it is not her intention to frequently change coaches. In December of last year, she stated, “It has never been my philosophy to chop and change coaches. I’ve never wanted that. I’m a very loyal person, whether that’s with my tennis or off the court.”

Reasons Behind Coaching Instability

Several factors may contribute to the instability in Raducanu’s coaching relationships.

• Raducanu’s Questioning Approach: Raducanu has described herself as someone who constantly asks questions and challenges her coaches’ thinking. In 2023, she said, “It’s something I’ve always done. I keep provoking and asking questions to coaches and challenging their thinking as well. I’m not someone that you can just tell me what do and I’ll do it, I need to understand why and then I’ll do it.” This approach may be challenging for some coaches who prefer a more traditional, directive style.
• High Expectations and Pressure: The immense pressure and scrutiny that followed Raducanu’s US Open victory may have created a difficult environment for both her and her coaches. The expectations to replicate that success, coupled with the challenges of managing her sudden fame, could strain the coach-player relationship.
• Injury Setbacks: Raducanu’s career has been plagued by injuries, which have disrupted her training and competition schedule. These setbacks can create frustration and uncertainty, potentially impacting the coach-player dynamic.
• Parental Involvement: While Raducanu’s parents have been supportive, there have been reports of her father, Ian, having a hands-on approach to her training, which may sometimes conflict with the coach’s strategies. As former British number one Mark Petchey told The Telegraph, “His view is the coach does not necessarily know everything. I thought he had a good handle on what the particular needs of his daughter were.”
• The Nature of the Coach-Player Relationship: The coach-player relationship in tennis is a complex one, requiring trust, respect, and a shared understanding of the player’s goals and needs. As Cagney Tennis Academy notes, “The foundation of any great tennis player is often their relationship with their coach. This dynamic is more than just about learning the right techniques or strategies; it’s about building a connection based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.” Finding the right fit can take time, and sometimes, despite best efforts, a partnership simply doesn’t work.

The Impact on Raducanu’s Career

The constant coaching changes have undoubtedly had an impact on Raducanu’s career. The lack of a consistent voice and long-term guidance can hinder a player’s development, making it difficult to establish a clear game plan and build confidence.

Despite the challenges, Raducanu remains optimistic about her future. After spending eight months out of action due to surgeries, Raducanu had a decent 2024 season. She is currently ranked 60 in the world, and has her sights set on getting back into the Top 10. As she said to BBC Sport, “Sometimes I need reminding: I’m top 60 and I’ve played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of. I have to pat myself on the back for that.”

The Search Continues

As Emma Raducanu continues her search for the right coach, the tennis world watches with interest. Finding a mentor who can provide stability, guidance, and a clear vision for her future will be crucial for her to fulfill her potential and achieve her goals on the court.