“It’s Difficult” – Emma Raducanu Opens Up on Emotional Split With Longtime Coach as She Reveals the Real Reason
Emma Raducanu’s Road Back: Navigating Challenges On and Off the Court
The journey back to the top has been anything but smooth for Emma Raducanu. The 2021 US Open champion has struggled to regain her best form following an injury-riddled 2024 season. Her 2025 Grand Slam campaign got off to a rough start, as she faced a dominant Iga Swiatek in the third round of the Australian Open, suffering a one-sided 6-0, 6-1 defeat.
As if the loss wasn’t tough enough, Raducanu was hit with more bad news just days later—her coach, Nick Cavaday, announced his departure, adding another hurdle to her already challenging comeback.
Raducanu Speaks on Coaching Split: ‘It’s Difficult’
Addressing the situation ahead of the Abu Dhabi Open, Raducanu reflected on the unexpected split with Cavaday.
“It’s difficult. Nick is a great person. He’s someone I’ve known since I was a young girl, and he coached me before, so I think we were working really well together,” she said. “Unfortunately, he had to prioritize his health, which I completely understand, and I support him, and I just wish him the speediest of recoveries.”
Cavaday had a long history with Raducanu, coaching her in her early years before reuniting in 2024. Their partnership saw her climb from outside the top 300 to inside the top 60 in just nine months. His departure, coming soon after her Australian Open exit, now leaves Raducanu without a coach once again.
A Familiar Coaching Carousel for Raducanu
Since her historic 2021 US Open victory, Raducanu has undergone six coaching changes, previously working with:
- Nigel Sears
- Andrew Richardson
- Dmitry Tursunov
- Torben Beltz
- Sebastian Sachs
Despite the frequent changes, she’s in no hurry to find a replacement.
“It’s a decision that I want to take my time with,” Raducanu explained. “I think that’s why I haven’t necessarily jumped into something straight away because I want to make sure it’s a right fit.”
A Tough Abu Dhabi Draw Without a Coach
Raducanu was initially set to play qualifiers at the Abu Dhabi Open, but a last-minute spot in the main draw changed her plans. However, while focusing on the tournament, she admitted she hadn’t even checked her next opponent.
“I’ve just been face down on the massage table. I’ll figure it out later, I’m half asleep,” she joked in an interview with The National.
Her opening-round match will be a major test as she faces 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
What’s Next? A Flexible Approach to 2025
Raducanu has yet to confirm whether she’ll continue the Middle East swing after Abu Dhabi, which includes:
- WTA 1000 Doha (February 9)
- WTA 1000 Dubai (February 16)
“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,” she shared. “But I’m not thinking too far ahead, just trying to take it day by day.”
Her current situation also includes navigating the tour without a coach—a challenge she already faced at the Singapore Open, where she entered as the seventh seed but suffered an early first-round loss to World No. 101 Cristina Bucsa (5-7, 7-5, 7-5).
Now, in Abu Dhabi, she enters a competitive field featuring:
- World No. 5 Elena Rybakina
- Australian Open semifinalist Paula Badosa
- British No.1 Katie Boulter
Can Raducanu Overcome the Odds?
With a tough draw and no coach in her corner, Raducanu faces another major test in her comeback. Will she rise to the challenge, or will her struggles continue?
Let us know your thoughts!
