Emma Raducanu’s Coaching Changes Rated as Latest Mentor Falls Short
Emma Raducanu has once again parted ways with a coach, ending a two-week trial with Vladimir ‘Vlado’ Platenik. The British No. 2 had enlisted Platenik’s expertise in Indian Wells earlier this month, but by the time she arrived at the Miami Open, he was no longer on her team.
Platenik becomes the seventh coach Raducanu has split with since her professional debut in 2021. Over the years, she has worked with top WTA Tour coaches as well as familiar childhood mentors. Express Sport reviews and rates her former coaches.
Vladimir ‘Vlado’ Platenik – F
Platenik’s brief two-week stint earns him an F. While Raducanu praised him, saying she had the “utmost respect” for his work, she admitted that their partnership “wasn’t quite heading in the right direction.”
Despite the abrupt split, Platenik had positive remarks, calling Raducanu “super talented” and noting that he had “never had a player improve as fast as Emma.”
Nick Cavaday – A
A childhood coach of Raducanu, Cavaday joined her team at the start of 2024 and stayed for 14 months—her longest coaching partnership. During their time together, she reached several quarter-finals, the Nottingham semis, and the Wimbledon last 16. Cavaday stepped away for personal reasons, but his impact was clear.
Sebastian Sachs – B
Sachs worked with Raducanu for a few months in 2023 before she had to shut down her season for multiple surgeries. During their time together, she showed promising results, including wins over two top-20 players at Indian Wells. Their split was unfortunate but due to circumstances rather than performance.
Dmitry Tursunov – C-
Raducanu and Tursunov had a longer trial period in 2022, during which she scored notable victories over Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. However, her form was inconsistent, and Tursunov later criticized Raducanu’s camp, citing “red flags that couldn’t be ignored.” His public remarks lower his rating.
Torben Beltz – D
Beltz, an experienced WTA coach, joined Raducanu after her 2021 US Open victory but lasted just five months. While she achieved some success, including a WTA 500 quarter-final in Stuttgart, her overall performance was shaky. Raducanu and her team’s frequent coaching changes seemed to play a role in their short-lived partnership.
Andrew Richardson – A+
Richardson was in Raducanu’s corner when she made history at the 2021 US Open, winning as a qualifier without dropping a set. His guidance helped her achieve the most significant milestone of her career. However, she controversially parted ways with him soon after her victory.
Nigel Sears – B+
Sears coached Raducanu during her 2021 grass-court season and at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round as a wildcard. His experience with top WTA players helped her breakthrough, but their partnership was short-lived.
As Raducanu continues to seek stability in her coaching team, her history of frequent changes remains a topic of debate. The search for a long-term mentor continues.
