Emma Raducanu remains in search of a new coach following her recent split from Nick Cavaday. However, former British No. 1 Laura Robson has cautioned her against making a hasty decision, warning that frequent coaching changes could invite criticism.
Raducanu and Cavaday, who worked together for 14 months, parted ways due to Cavaday’s ongoing health issues, which prevented him from traveling full-time on the tour. While the British No. 2 has yet to find a permanent replacement, she continues to work with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura and has temporarily reunited with former junior coach Roman Kelecic in Abu Dhabi.
Robson, now a Sky Sports pundit, emphasized the importance of patience in Raducanu’s decision-making process. “I don’t think she’s going to rush into it,” Robson said. “Just from an outsider’s point of view, I don’t think she would want to rush into it.
“It’s got to be the right person because I know if she goes for someone and then ends up changing them again quickly, everyone will go nuts.”
Robson also highlighted Nakamura’s extensive experience on tour, noting that he could provide valuable support in the interim. “She’s got Yutaka with her, and he’s got huge experience out on tour. Also, he can hit a bit of a ball as well. I mean, he can have a rally, but you wouldn’t rely on that. If he tried to tell you something about your forehand, you wouldn’t think, ‘Right, what’s he talking about?’”
Raducanu appears to be following Robson’s advice, as she recently confirmed that she is taking a measured approach to hiring her next coach.
“It’s a decision that I want to take my time with,” Raducanu explained ahead of this week’s Abu Dhabi Open. “I think that’s why I haven’t necessarily jumped into something straight away, because I want to make sure it’s the right fit.
“This period where I don’t necessarily have someone is going to tell me a lot. It’s going to teach me a lot—what I want, what I don’t want to look for in the next person. So I think I’m using this time to just figure out what I really value. I’m not too sure yet right now. I haven’t come to any plans or decisions.”
With Raducanu prioritizing stability and the right fit, her next coaching appointment will be crucial in shaping her return to the top of the game.
