Emma Raducanu takes a bold step by hiring a top coach to reach her potential

In December 2024, Emma Raducanu officially announced the appointment of Yutaka Nakamura as her full-time fitness coach ahead of the 2025 tennis season. This decision comes after a challenging few years for Raducanu, who gained fame by winning the US Open in 2021 but has since struggled with various injuries, causing her to miss significant time on the court. The hiring of Nakamura, who is renowned for his work with Grand Slam champions Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, represents a strategic move by Raducanu to enhance her physical fitness and on-court resilience. Prior to this, Raducanu had relied on the fitness coaches provided by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) but has decided to invest in her own full-time coach. This shift is expected to allow her to receive personalized training tailored to her specific needs throughout the season. Raducanu expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the compatibility in work ethic and focus between herself and Nakamura. The duo plans to work closely with her existing coach, Nick Cavaday, to create a more integrated training approach. Raducanu is determined to overcome her injury woes and has set ambitious goals for herself, stating her belief that she can become one of the best athletes in tennis. She is eager to explore her full athletic potential and feels optimistic about the upcoming pre-season training in Australia. Her preparation includes a stay in Brisbane, followed by a tournament schedule that will include events in Auckland and possibly Adelaide before the Australian Open. As Raducanu prepares to kick off the 2025 season, her commitment to fitness and health reflects her desire to not only return to form but to redefine her status within the sport. With Nakamura's expertise, there is hope that Raducanu will be able to compete with greater consistency and achieve a more extended run on the professional circuit without the interruptions caused by injury.