Emma Raducanu confirms hiring Maria Sharapova’s former coach to her fitness team after string of losses
Emma Raducanu has confirmed that she is in talks to hire Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova's former fitness coach Yukata Nakamura.
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Emma Raducanu, (in circle) Yutaka Nakamura, and Maria Sharapova (via The Guardian/The Mainichi Daily)
Emma Raducanu has made great strides this season, climbing from World No. 301 in January to World No. 58 currently. However, she played less than fifteen tournaments this year because of injuries and fitness problems.
The British star has confirmed reports that she’s in talks about hiring Maria Sharapova’s former fitness coach Yukata Nakamura. The 22-year-old has been away from the court since September after spraining her ligament at the Korean Open quarterfinals against Daria Kasatkina.
This is not the first time Raducanu has been away from the court for an extended period in the past few years. Last year, she was sidelined for almost the entirety of the season following operations on both wrists and one ankle.
Raducanu has played fewer tournaments this season than any other player in the Top 60. In fact, she has taken part in just three events since Wimbledon in July. A few days ago, there were reports that she was in discussions to hire fitness trainer Yukata Nakamura, who previously worked with Sharapova and Naomi Osaka.
During a press conference at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga, she revealed that talks were progressing. Although the deal is not yet signed, Raducanu expressed her commitment to improving her fitness level.
I think that my athleticism is a strength of mine, but it’s nowhere near its full potential. I’m just looking forward to exploring that further, and ready to commit to doing that. While it’s the end of the season for a lot of players, I feel I’m just beginning to kick-start and get things in motion, training really well, training hard, and already building towards next year. I’m not really looking to have any more time off.
Emma Raducanu said (via Sky Sports)
Emma Raducanu has confirmed she is in talks to add a renowned fitness trainer to her team as she bids to make a successful return from her latest injury lay-off ? pic.twitter.com/dXFrYA3zbU
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) November 15, 2024
Raducanu is expected to be in action when Great Britain faces Germany at the Billie Jean King Cup. The 22-year-old was key to Britain qualifying for the Finals after winning two matches against France.
Emma Raducanu grateful to her team despite celebrating her 22nd birthday indoors
Emma Raducanu celebrated her 22nd birthday on Wednesday (November 13) behind closed doors at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. The former US Open champion’s birthday was planned to be celebrated properly by the team.
However, the heavy rainfall and flooding in the city led to a mild celebration. For a few days, the Great Britain team was unable to practice, with the venue locked down due to the poor weather conditions. Despite how the celebrations went, Raducanu revealed that she was grateful to her team.
I’m really grateful that my team, they made a really big effort yesterday to make me feel really special. There was birthday banners, cake, balloons. It was really nice, considering the weather. We couldn’t really go out or do anything, but it’s just how it goes.
Emma Raducanu said (via The Independent)
This year the team captain Anne Keothavong picked her strongest squad for the BJK Cup. Raducanu is joined by British No. 1 Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, and doubles specialist Olivia Nichols.
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Victor Okechukwu
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