'I'm trusting the work': Emma Raducanu is feeling good about what her new coach is doing

Spread the love

Emma Raducanu is set to compete in the inaugural ATX Open next month as the North American tennis hard court season kicks off.

The British number one is targeting a world rankings recovery after she faced a hefty plummet in 2022.

Raducanu is also looking to bounce back to fitness after she struggled with an injury-plagued season.

Despite a difficult year, the former US Open champion is in high spirits and is eager to start working on returning to winning form.

Raducanu is also working with a new coach — her fifth in 18 months.

Sebastian Sachs, who helped Belinda Bencic win gold at the 2020 Olympics, joined Raducanu’s team last month and the Brit is feeling good about having him on board.

What did Emma Raducanu say about her new coach?

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 03: Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates a point during her singles match against Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic during day two of the 2023 ASB Classic Women’s at the ASB Tennis Arena on January 03, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)© Provided by Give Me Sport

“I’ve had some niggles in the past few months, and I just need to get that sorted, train, and then we’ll see after that,” the 20-year-old said.

“But I’m actually just looking forward to putting in the work, and I feel, as I said before, I’m putting in a good system in place, and I’m really buying into and trusting the work that I’m doing with Sebastian and the rest of the team.”

After her historic win at the 2021 US Open, Raducanu has struggled to recreate the same performances she delivered in New York.

She has been hampered with injuries and has often struggled to make it beyond the first and second rounds of tournaments.

Her best finish since winning her first Grand Slam title saw her reach the semi-final of the Korea Open in September 2022.

“I’m feeling good and confident that in six months time I know it’s not going to be, like, the finished product, but hopefully I would have made strides,” Raducanu continued.

What injuries has Emma Raducanu had?

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – SEPTEMBER 24: Emma Raducanu of Great Britain gets a medical check up during the women’s semi final match against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia of the Hana Bank Korea Open Championships at the Olympic Park Tennis Court on September 24, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)© Provided by Give Me Sport

Since making her WTA Tour debut in 2021, the Brit has withdrawn from seven tournaments due to injuries or physical issues.

Her first problem occurred during her Wimbledon debut. Raducanu had to pull out during the fourth round due to breathing difficulties.

During 2022, several problems including leg and back injuries, as well as blisters affected her ability to perform.

Raducanu’s latest injury problem came during the ASB Classic after rolling her ankle.

She will be looking to brush off her troublesome start to the season after exiting the Australian Open in the second round and power towards a resurrection under Sachs.