Emma Raducanu’s turbulent journey in professional tennis continues after a heavy defeat to Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open, followed by the unexpected departure of her coach, Nick Cavaday.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, was soundly beaten 6-1, 6-0 by Swiatek in a third-round match, raising concerns about her ability to compete at the highest level.
Adding to her challenges, Raducanu has confirmed her split with Cavaday, whom she described as the coach she felt most comfortable working with. The two had a longstanding connection, first collaborating during her junior career and resuming their partnership last season. Under Cavaday, Raducanu climbed back into the WTA top 100 after injuries kept her out for much of 2023.
Explaining his decision, Cavaday stated:
“I am very happy to have been able to work with Emma over the last 14 months. At this moment in time, it’s important for me to spend some more time at home and prioritise getting back to full health, which is hard to do with the extensive calendar. I am glad Emma is back to being established on tour now with a ranking inside the top 60, and I look forward to seeing what she does from here.”
Raducanu responded warmly, saying:
“I’d like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit. 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.”
Reflecting on her Australian Open performance, Raducanu remained optimistic despite the loss.
“I have to take a positive that I was able to beat two top opponents in the first two rounds,” she said. “The thing I want to improve is serving. The first two matches I got away with it against two top players because I was able to defend and move, use the rest of my game. If I’m not necessarily able to hold my service games or dictate, I feel like it seeps into the rest of my game.”
Tennis expert Barbara Schett suggested Raducanu’s recurring injuries are a significant hurdle.
“She needs to play consistently to build momentum. The constant setbacks create doubt. It’s been more than three years since her remarkable US Open run, and it would be great for tennis if she can return to the top.”
Raducanu now faces the critical task of finding a new coach as she works to regain her form and confidence.
