Emma Raducanu’s new coach believes Brit can now realise her potential after ‘going through hell’ – as he reveals he twice turned down a role in her team
Emma Raducanu’s new coach, Vladimir “Vlado” Platenik, believes her “hellish” struggles have primed her to unlock her potential. The 49-year-old Slovak, who joined Raducanu at Indian Wells on a trial basis through the French Open, told *Dennik N* he’d twice declined the role—first after her 2021 US Open win, which he’d called “coaching suicide.” “A young player rockets up with one big result, then crashes under pressure,” he explained. “Hingis, Capriati, Bencic—maybe 30 percent of breakout stars drop out of the top 100 in a year. Back then, the hype was a trap. Now, she’s in a different place.”
Raducanu’s post-US Open journey has been brutal: ankle and wrist surgeries, six coaches, and a chilling stalking incident in Dubai. “She’s been through the worst,” Platenik said. “She’s more mature now—ready for me to step in.” Until days before Indian Wells, he coached Lulu Sun, who beat Raducanu at Wimbledon 2024 before their amicable split. When the Raducanu family sought a coach recommendation, Platenik offered a name but later pitched himself to Emma’s father, Ian, after Sun’s exit. Ian’s swift reply—“We don’t have anyone, let’s try”—shows his hands-on role in her career.
Platenik’s arrival marks a reset after a rocky stretch. Raducanu’s 6-3, 6-2 loss to Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in Indian Wells’ first round on Thursday was her fifth defeat in six matches since Nick Cavaday left post-Australian Open for health reasons. Yet, after just days together, Platenik sees promise. “The first session surprised me—great chemistry,” he said. “She was engaged, took my tips well, and left happy. I felt good too.”
He views Raducanu as a raw talent eager to grow, unburdened by past hype. “She’s not complacent—feet on the ground, not floating after that Slam,” he noted. “Some world No. 80s act a thousand times worse, arrogant. Emma’s kind, chats with everyone, smiles. I’m impressed—humanly and professionally.” Her curiosity stands out: “We watched her next opponent’s tape for 90 minutes. She kept asking, ‘Vlado, what do you think?’ Most players—95 percent—don’t do that. I had to push them. She’s different—wants to learn, communicate.”
That inquisitiveness, akin to Andy Murray’s, meshes with Platenik’s collaborative style. “She won’t just nod at advice—she digs into the ‘why.’ I love that,” he said. Already, he’s pinpointed fixes: “Her movement’s explosive for her size. The serve and forehand need technical and tactical work to sustain pressure. She eases off sometimes, mispositions, and drops intensity unnecessarily. I want to max out her potential, no baggage from before.”
Despite the Indian Wells loss, Platenik’s optimism hints at a partnership that could finally steady Raducanu’s turbulent ride.
