Emma Raducanu’s Ex-Coach Joins Grigor Dimitrov’s Team Months After Quitting Role
**London, October 27, 2025** – Emma Raducanu’s former fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, has swiftly moved on to join the team of another top player just two months after parting ways with the British star, sparking speculation about the timing and dynamics of Raducanu’s support staff. Nakamura, who collaborated with Raducanu from early 2025 until August, has now linked up with world No. 9 Grigor Dimitrov as his physical trainer, a role confirmed by Dimitrov’s camp during the Vienna Open this week. The Japanese specialist, renowned for his work with Naomi Osaka and Raducanu, announced the change on Instagram, posting a training clip with Dimitrov captioned: “Excited for the next chapter with Grigor—back to the grind.” The move comes amid Raducanu’s own season-ending health hiatus after back spasms at the Ningbo Open, leaving her without a full-time physio as she prepares for the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
#### Nakamura’s Swift Transition: From Raducanu to Dimitrov
Nakamura’s tenure with Raducanu was short but impactful, starting in January 2025 as her primary fitness coach during her Australian Open third-round run. He helped overhaul her conditioning, contributing to her career-high No. 30 ranking in September and a 28-18 record, including the Washington semifinals. However, the partnership was always temporary, with Nakamura’s contract expiring at the end of the grass season. “Yutaka brought energy and structure to my training—grateful for his time,” Raducanu said in a statement on October 15, confirming she would work with other physios like Daniel Pohl and Jerome Poupel for the remainder of the year.
Dimitrov, 34 and a former world No. 3, had been without a dedicated physical trainer since parting with his long-time fitness expert in July 2025 following a Wimbledon fourth-round exit. Nakamura’s arrival coincides with Dimitrov’s resurgence, highlighted by a Vienna Open semifinal appearance this week. “Yutaka’s knowledge of high-performance bodies is unmatched—perfect timing for Turin,” Dimitrov told Tennis.com on October 26. Nakamura, who previously worked with Osaka during her 2023 comeback, brings a track record of tailoring programs for injury-prone stars, including Osaka’s shoulder rehab and Raducanu’s post-Wuhan recovery.
The quick pivot—less than two months after Raducanu’s grass season end—has raised eyebrows. Sources close to Raducanu’s camp told *The Guardian* that the split was amicable, with Nakamura seeking a full-time ATP role. “Emma’s focused on Riyadh and 2026—changes happen,” the insider said. Dimitrov’s team confirmed Nakamura’s integration for the ATP Finals in Turin (November 10-17), where the Bulgarian is No. 9 in the Race.
#### Raducanu’s 2025: A Year of Transitions
Raducanu’s season, her first full tour since 2022, was marked by progress and pitfalls: A No. 30 peak, Washington semifinals (first top-10 win since 2022 over Pegula), and WTA Finals qualification (No. 7 Race), but nine straight top-50 losses and health woes in Asia (Wuhan retirement vs. Ann Li, Ningbo exit to Lin Zhu after back spasms). She ended early on October 15, skipping Tokyo and Hong Kong for recovery under coach Francisco Roig. “Yutaka’s impact was huge—wishing him the best with Grigor,” Raducanu posted on Instagram, sharing a training throwback.
The change leaves Raducanu with a revamped support team: Roig (full-time since August), Pohl (physio), and Poupel (strength). “We’re building for 2026—Australia’s the focus,” her camp said.
#### Dimitrov’s Boost: A Timely Addition
Dimitrov’s 2025 has been solid but unspectacular: 35-20 record, Shanghai Masters title (def. Rublev 6-4, 7-6), and Vienna SF (vs. Sinner October 26). Nakamura’s expertise could address Dimitrov’s injury history (2024 knee surgery) and serve inconsistencies (68% first-serve points won). “Yutaka’s a game-changer—fresh energy for Turin,” Dimitrov said.
| Coach/Trainer | Previous Role | New Role | Timeline |
|—————|—————|———-|———-|
| **Yutaka Nakamura** | Raducanu Fitness Trainer (Jan-Aug 2025) | Dimitrov Physical Trainer | October 2025 onward |
| Francisco Roig | Nadal Alternate Coach (2005-2022) | Raducanu Head Coach | August 2025-End 2025 |
| Daniel Pohl | Independent Physio | Raducanu Physio | October 2025 onward |
#### Reactions: “Timing’s Curious”
Social media under #RaducanuNakamura: “Yutaka to Dimitrov so soon? Emma’s team shake-up” (100k likes). Osaka: “Yutaka’s magic—good luck Grigor!” Pegula: “Team changes keep it fresh—Emma’s solid.” As Raducanu preps for Riyadh, Nakamura’s move isn’t betrayal—it’s evolution. The Brit’s unbreakable; 2026’s her canvas.
