Emma Raducanu poised to end injury nightmare as she considers hiring Maria Sharapova’s former fitness coach
Emma Raducanu is hoping to end her injury nightmare and is in talks to hire Maria Sharapova's former fitness coach Yukata Nakamura.
Follow Us
Emma Raducanu, (in circle) Yutaka Nakamura, and Maria Sharapova (via The Guardian/The Mainichi Daily)
Emma Raducanu’s career has been blighted by injuries and fitness problems since winning the 2021 US Open. However, the British star is determined to turn her fortunes around and is reportedly considering hiring the best strength and conditioning expert in tennis, Yutaka Nakamura, who once worked with Maria Sharapova.
At 21, Raducanu has struggled with several injuries and that has no doubt played a major role in stunting her progress. For the entirety of last year, she was away from the court as she underwent surgery on both her wrists and her ankles.
Reducanu returned to the court this season, but each time she found her game spark, it wouldn’t take long for her to sustain an injury. Ahead of the Miami Open, she suffered a lower back injury which forced her to withdraw from the tournament.
The Brit played some of her best tennis at the Korean Open, winning two matches and qualifying for the quarterfinals. However, she had to retire during her last eight match against Daria Kasatkina after suffering a foot ligament injury.
The youngster announced that she would be back for the Hong Kong Open in October but then had to withdraw from the event due to a persistent foot problem. Going forward, the 21-year-old wants to make her fitness one of her priorities, which will keep her from having constant injuries. According to Telegraph Sport, she has turned to fitness expert Nakamura to solve all her troubles.
Emma Raducanu is looking at hiring Yutaka Nakamura, the fitness trainer who worked with Sharapova for 8 years, and then Osaka among others. Will be a statement of intent if she goes ahead https://t.co/W2Jcmb3xX6
— Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) November 7, 2024
Nakamura has a brilliant CV of experience in strength and conditioning expertise. He was part of Maria Sharapova’s team for eight years. He also worked with Naomi Osaka for a lengthy time.
The 51-year-old also had a short stint with Tommy Haas, Kei Nikishori and Denis Shapovalov. Fans will be hoping that Raducanu and Nakamura collaborate, as the former looks forward to playing more next year.
WTA legend cannot wait to see Emma Raducanu return to the court at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga
Emma Raducanu has not played a competitive match since sustaining an injury at the Korean Open in September. However, she will return to action for Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. Great Britain has been drawn to play Germany while the event gets underway on November 13.
The 21-year-old was part of Great Britain’s team that beat France 3-1 in the qualifiers back in April. She defeated Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry in the two singles rubber match. Ahead of the Finals, tennis legend Conchita Martinez has revealed she can’t wait to see Raducanu play in Malaga.
She’s one of the best tennis players out there with great results. It’s great that Great Britain can count on her and I think that when she’s played before, she’s passionate for her country. I think it’s going to be great. I love that she is coming and I can’t wait to see her play.
Conchita Martinez said (via Tennis365)
Raducanu will be joined by Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, and doubles specialist Olivia Nicholls, completing the five-woman team for the competition. Team GB is hoping to win to win the title this year.
Stay Updated!
Victor Okechukwu
(719 Articles Published)