Emma Raducanu: British No 1 is keen to return to aggressive, first-strike form on grass under coach Andrew Richardson | Tennis News
Emma Raducanu is still determined to return to aggressive form, first in the grass strike under returning coach Andrew Richardson.
The British No 1 will enter the grass court season looking to return to his next best form another tough loss that gave you an idea of how much the last few years have weighed on him.
The 23-year-old was depressed but philosophical in a 6-0 7-6 (7-4) loss to Solana Sierra in the first round of the French Open when he was asked about the direction his career has taken since these stars met in New York five years ago.
Resilience was the word Raducanu settled on as he struggled to control his emotions, and he will need to show more of that as he struggles to find form again on grass.
It’s also the first season for the former US Open champion, who started the year battling a foot injury and then contracted a virus in early February that turned into a post-viral illness.
He spent two and a half months away from the tour and the rust was evident as he battled Argentina’s Sierra.
Raducanu stands by his decision
Raducanu wanted to test himself in the mud rather than go straight to grass preparation, and it was a decision he stood by despite the result.
“I was training well but it’s been five, six weeks after two months without work,” he said. “It would be a big question. I wanted to play the French [Open] so that was my decision.
“I stood by it because I received a big punishment. I don’t want to miss. I competed the way I could in the second set with what I had.”
The fact that Raducanu is still coughing nearly four months after being ill is clearly a concern for him, and he would have wanted to enter his most advanced stage of the season with high confidence levels.
She also has points to defend having reached the quarter-finals of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club last year and the third round of Wimbledon, where she pushed world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Queen’s, Berlin and Eastbourne next
British No 1 Raducanu is now preparing for the grass season where he still has points to defend
The optimism associated with the way he is going has faded a lot in the past months and the growth of the All England Club looks very unlikely, which means that Raducanu will be at the mercy of that.
The good news is that grass suits his game better than clay, with Raducanu’s ability to pick up the ball early, especially on the return, reaping big rewards in the quick, slow-hitting area and compensating for his lack of strength.
His separation from coach Francisco Roig following the Australian Open happened after he made it clear that he did not agree with the direction he was trying to take his game.
Raducanu is looking to return to the aggressive, strike-first style that brought him so much success early in his career, and he appears to have the perfect man in his corner as he rehired his US Open-winning coach Andrew Richardson.
His next tournament will be at Queen’s on June 8, and he has entered events in Berlin and Eastbourne over the next two weeks but may not play in both.
“I’m looking forward to coming home, definitely,” said Raducanu. “Queen’s is always an amazing tournament, so I’m looking forward to starting there. After that, I don’t know, it depends on how it goes.”
Henman: If the results don’t appear immediately, he has to be patient
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Both Tim Henman and Laura Robson believe Raducanu’s association with Andrew Richardson is a good move
Tim Henman believes everyone needs to be “patient” with Raducanu as the Brit has played very little tennis, but believes Richardson is the right man to guide the 23-year-old.
The former British No 1 said: “In terms of training, I’m glad Andrew is back and I hope it continues.
“I hope it will last longer than many other coaches – and the proof will be in the pudding.”
“You need consistent training, playing with the game, and progressing.
“When it starts, be it injury or illness, if you cut and change coaches, it is difficult to build that harmony and continue.
“He’s known Emma for a long, long time … since she was very young. She’s very down to earth, very calm, she has a good knowledge of the game.”
Richardson returned from coaching Raducanu for almost five years guiding him to the top of the US Open in New York
Henman added: “He was working at a school in Spain and he’s someone Emma trusts. Those are good foundations.
“I hope Emma is patient and we have to be patient. Coming to the grass, it’s a more comfortable place for her.
“Then we realize that the spotlight will be intense. If the results don’t appear quickly, he has to be patient.”
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