Emma Raducanu assures massive schedule change with a huge shift in mentality
Emma Raducanu assures her fans that she has learnt from her mistakes in the past couple of seasons and is eager to perform well in 2025.
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Emma Raducanu (Image via X)
Emma Raducanu made bold statements during her final press conference of 2024, reflecting on lessons learned from recent challenges. She confirmed a key addition to her team, hinting at a fresh approach for the upcoming season.
Raducanu officially announced that she has hired fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura. Known for his success with stars like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, Nakamura will travel with her to help address the injury struggles she has faced since winning the 2021 US Open.
I had a bit of a different pre-season this year because I was injured earlier, and I did a lot of training. So I just want to get out in the heat a bit earlier. It makes sense to go all the way rather than go somewhere and then come back and then fly out again. I feel really strong. I feel really fit. The only thing I can’t really speak for, is I haven’t played that many matches. So it’s different.
Emma Raducanu said in an interview with iNews (H/T: iNews)
Along with the new hire, Raducanu revealed plans to increase her tournament schedule in 2025. She hopes this will prepare her better for the season’s first Grand Slam and prevent the injury setbacks that have hampered her progress.
On the training court I feel amazing. I feel like I’m running around, throwing myself around on the court, but it’s different playing matches. I played a few at Billie Jean King Cup, and I felt good. I felt like I recovered well. I wasn’t tiring in the matches. It would just be good to see as the level increases, and if I have to play more back-to-back, how I’m going to react.
Emma Raducanu added
This change comes after criticism of her light schedule before the 2024 US Open. Skipping qualifiers in Toronto and playing only one event ahead of the major drew negative attention, something she aims to avoid moving forward.
Emma Raducanu warned about losing sponsors
Dr. Rob Wilson, a sports finance expert, has warned that Emma Raducanu might lose endorsements if her performance doesn’t improve. Despite her early success, the British tennis star has struggled to maintain consistency since winning the 2021 US Open.
Emma Raducanu needs to be winning games to keep her commercial deals up. Pretty much everything in terms of sponsorships in Raducanu’s case is between on-court and off-the-court performance…Where she was smart was where she signed some lengthy deals when she won the US Open…But if she doesn’t start winning games, she is going to really struggle to renegotiate or renew any of those commercial endorsements and the career could be over pretty much in its infancy.
Dr. Rob Wilson, a professor of Applied Sports Finance at Sheffield Hallam University
Injuries have been a major hurdle in Raducanu’s career. She underwent surgeries on both wrists and an ankle in 2022, which kept her out of many tournaments.
Off the court, Raducanu has faced some controversies unrelated to her tennis. Earlier this year, the 22-year-old admitted to being unaware of the UK election and surprised fans by withdrawing from mixed doubles with Andy Murray at Wimbledon.
Raducanu’s lively personality and engaging smile continue to charm fans. However, without consistent results on the court, her career risks are being overshadowed by her challenges.
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Fahad Hamid
(654 Articles Published)