Emma Raducanu’s former coach, Dmitry Tursunov, broke his silence on their split, revealing that her father, Ian Raducanu, was “surprised” by the decision to part ways in October 2022. In an interview reported by Athlon Sports and Yardbarker on May 20, 2025, Tursunov explained that the split was amicable but unexpected for Ian, who has been heavily involved in Emma’s career. “I told him it’s okay,” Tursunov said, emphasizing that there was no bad blood, though he noted the challenges of working with Raducanu’s team due to their intense oversight.[](https://athlonsports.com/tennis/emma-raducanus-father-was-surprised-admits-former-coach-as-he-breaks-silence-on-split)[](https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/emma_raducanus_father_was_surprised_admits_former_coach_as_he_breaks_silence_on_split/s1_17615_42218480)
Tursunov, who coached Raducanu briefly after her 2021 US Open win, highlighted the complexity of her coaching setup, suggesting that her father’s influence and the frequent changes in her team made continuity difficult. He acknowledged Raducanu’s talent but pointed out that her need to balance multiple inputs from her support system, including her parents, impacted their collaboration. Posts on X, such as one from @TennisUpToDate2, echoed this, noting Ian’s reaction and the professional nature of the split.
The revelation comes as Raducanu works with her current coach, Nick Cavaday, ahead of the 2025 French Open. Her recent performance at the Italian Open, where she reached the third round before losing to Iga Swiatek, shows progress, but her history of coaching changes—eight coaches since turning pro—remains a topic of discussion. Tursunov’s comments suggest that Ian’s surprise stemmed from his belief in the partnership’s potential, yet the split reflects Raducanu’s ongoing search for the right support to recapture her Grand Slam form.
