Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old former US Open champion, is embarking on the search for her tenth career coach following the departure of Nick Cavaday, who stepped back due to health concerns. This marks another turning point in the young Brit’s evolving career as she navigates life on the professional tour.
Stability disrupted: Cavaday steps aside
Raducanu has enjoyed a relatively stable coaching relationship with Cavaday, a notable shift from her earlier years of frequent changes. Under his guidance over the past 14 months, Raducanu recovered from surgeries and climbed back into the top 60 of the WTA rankings.
“I’d like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit,” Raducanu said. “Especially being post-surgeries, he helped get me back inside the world’s top 60. I wish him all the best in his next chapter and no doubt we’ll stay in touch.”
Cavaday expressed similar sentiments, praising Raducanu’s progress while explaining his decision to prioritize his health:
“At this moment in time, it’s important for me to spend some more time at home and prioritize getting back to full health, which is hard to do with the extensive calendar.”
Interim plans and next steps
While Raducanu searches for a new coach, fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, who joined her team late last year, may temporarily take on additional responsibilities. This transition comes as Raducanu prepares for the Singapore Tennis Open, a tournament that offers her a chance to regain form and confidence after a difficult start to 2025.
A career of contrasts
Raducanu’s career has been a whirlwind since her breakthrough US Open triumph in 2021. Her frequent coaching changes have drawn criticism and scrutiny, but her tenure with Cavaday marked a more measured phase, highlighted by her recovery from injuries and a return to competitive stability.
However, her early exit from the Australian Open after a one-sided defeat to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek raised questions about her readiness to reclaim her spot among the sport’s elite. The Singapore Tennis Open, with a relatively modest field including Anna Kalinskaya and Elise Mertens, offers a golden opportunity for Raducanu to reset and build momentum.
What’s next for Raducanu?
Raducanu has emphasized that she’s not rushing to appoint a new coach, signaling a desire to find the right fit for this pivotal stage of her career. With her physical fitness improving and a ranking inside the top 60, she’s positioned to make strides in 2025—provided she can strike the right balance of stability and performance.
As she evaluates her options, Raducanu remains focused on competing and building on the foundation she’s established with Cavaday. Whether the next chapter involves yet another coaching change or a continuation of her current team dynamics, her determination to succeed remains evident.