‘I have no idea’ – Emma Raducanu has already cast doubt on 2025 schedule amid early Abu Dhabi Open exit
Emma Raducanu’s Struggles Continue After Another Early Exit
Emma Raducanu’s season has hit another setback following an early tournament exit, raising concerns about her form and future schedule.
The 22-year-old Brit started her 2025 Australian Open campaign on a high note, securing two straight-set victories in the early rounds. However, her momentum came to a crashing halt as she suffered a humbling 6-1, 6-0 defeat to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in Melbourne.
Since then, Raducanu’s struggles have continued. She was eliminated in the first round of the Singapore Open by world No. 101 Cristina Bucsa in January. More recently, she fell 6-3, 6-4 to Marketa Vondrousova in her Abu Dhabi Open opener on Tuesday.
Now ranked world No. 56, Raducanu faces a crucial decision about her next steps, with uncertainty surrounding her participation in the upcoming Middle East swing of the WTA Tour.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Raducanu’s 2025 record now stands at two wins and two losses, and she must decide whether to continue competing or take time off to recover.
She has the option to enter the WTA 1000 event in Doha on February 9, followed by another 1000-level tournament in Dubai the following week. However, she complained of a neck injury during her loss to Vondrousova, which could impact her decision.
When asked about her upcoming schedule, Raducanu admitted she was unsure about her plans.
“I have no idea. I’m going to take it week by week. See how I am, see how the body is, and see what kind of plan we put in place. But I’m not thinking too far ahead, just trying to take it day by day in the current situations,” she told The National over the weekend.
Raducanu Searching for New Coach Yet Again
In addition to her on-court struggles, Raducanu is also dealing with a coaching dilemma. Following her exit from the Australian Open, she parted ways with Nick Cavaday, her coach of 14 months.
Cavaday, who had worked with Raducanu during her junior days, stepped down due to health reasons. His departure means Raducanu is now in search of her seventh full-time coach since turning professional.
Raducanu’s Growing List of Former Coaches
| Coach | Coaching Period |
|---|---|
| Nigel Sears | Worked with Raducanu until her Wimbledon 2021 exit. |
| Andrew Richardson | Led her to the US Open 2021 title, but was let go soon after. |
| Torben Beltz | Appointed in November 2021, lasted five months. |
| Dmitry Tursunov | Joined in July 2022, left after less than four months. |
| Sebastian Sachs | Began coaching her in late 2022, parted ways in May 2023. |
| Nick Cavaday | Reunited with Raducanu before the 2024 Australian Open, lasted a year. |
Uncertain Road Ahead
With her form faltering and yet another coaching change, Raducanu finds herself at a critical juncture. The former world No. 10 must now carefully plan her next moves—both in terms of her schedule and finding a stable coaching team—as she looks to rebuild her career and return to the upper echelons of the sport.
