Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs ponders potential Carlos Alcaraz-Emma Raducanu team-up as she weighs in on coaching the Brit
Rennae Stubbs Reveals How She Would Coach Emma Raducanu, Weighs in on Alcaraz Partnership
Former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs has shared her thoughts on how she would approach coaching Emma Raducanu, as well as the possibility of Carlos Alcaraz partnering with Raducanu in the mixed doubles event at the US Open.
In the latest episode of her Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Stubbs speculated about the potential Alcaraz-Raducanu pairing, now that the mixed doubles event is set to be a standalone competition at the Grand Slam.
“I wonder if Carlos Alcaraz will play with [Emma] Raducanu in the mixed doubles at the US Open, anyways…” (46:30 onwards).
Stubbs on Coaching Raducanu: “The Key is Understanding What She Wants”
Raducanu, who is currently without a coach after parting ways with Nick Cavaday, has struggled with form and consistency since her 2021 US Open triumph. Stubbs, when asked how she would approach coaching the British star, emphasized the importance of understanding Raducanu’s personal goals first.
“I’ll never say no to an opportunity of working with a Grand Slam champion. What would I work on… I think the first thing I would do is sit her down and ask her what she wants. And I think that’s the key, you have to know what your player wants,” she said.
Stubbs also highlighted the need for realistic expectations as Raducanu works towards regaining top form.
“I have to be honest with her about what I feel like her top level is… not try to be like ‘Yeah, we can win another Slam tomorrow,’ because it’s just unlikely at this point. So, what are her goals realistically, and what can we do to get there?”
Raducanu’s Ongoing Struggles & Coaching Search
Raducanu is currently facing the longest losing streak of her career, with early exits in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. Many fans and analysts attribute her inconsistent form to the frequent coaching changes she has made over the years.
Since her 2021 US Open title, the 22-year-old has worked with six different coaches. Following her recent Australian Open exit, Raducanu announced her split from Nick Cavaday, whom she thanked for his guidance.
“I’d like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit, especially post-surgeries. I wish him all the best in his next chapter and no doubt we’ll stay in touch,” she said (via BBC).
Cavaday, who had coached Raducanu since she was 10 years old, stepped away due to health issues.
Her previous coaches include:
- Sebastian Sachs
- Nigel Sears
- Andrew Richardson (her coach during the 2021 US Open victory)
- Torben Beltz
- Dmitry Tursunov
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Despite her recent struggles, Raducanu remains hopeful of finding a new coach soon. She will look to turn things around at the Dubai Masters next week, having received her third wildcard entry of the season in the Middle East.