Emma Raducanu: Self-proclaimed ‘black cat’ hoping new coaching partnership can unlock Australian Open success | Tennis news
Emma Raducanu found hard-working fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura the perfect fit for her travel team, but admits she’s a “black cat” who still loves her own space.
The former US Open champion has deliberately kept a small group around her, but late last year she added Nakamura to a core unit that also includes coach Nick Cavaday.
Nakamura is well-respected in tennis and has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, who described him this week as a “really nice guy” with a love of selfies and sushi.
He and Raducanu have already spent many hours together, with the 22-year-old looking to avoid the injury layoffs that have plagued her career so far and achieve her athletic potential.
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Raducanu reveals she refused to take antiseptic spray on a sting because she was afraid she would be contaminated with a banned substance
“It’s important that they all mesh well together,” said Raducanu, who begins her Australian Open campaign on Tuesday against 26th-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova.
“You spend so much time with the people you work with and of course it’s important to have a good relationship and get along.
“I think where me and Yutaka are very similar is that we are very dedicated and even with our tired days, we always stay motivated, motivate each other and feed off the energy, which is great to have because we don’t there are many. so committed that from 8 am to 8 pm at night, over and over again, you still show up with the same attitude and mindset.
“That was really good for me and a solid, and someone who was really reliable.”
On- and off-field relationships with teammates are often critical to a player’s success, and Raducanu makes sure to strike the right balance.
“I’m someone who loves my space too,” he said. “I’m a bit of a black cat, that’s how some people would describe me.
“During the day when you’re on the field or training, you’re literally with them all the time. But I think it’s important in the morning to go for a walk by myself, go get a coffee by myself or go for a walk in the evening , I seem to be walking a lot.”
Robson: Nakamura is a good choice
Physical trainer Yutaka Nakamura (front center) has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka
Former British No 1 Laura Robson believes Raducanu made a smart choice, saying: “Yutaka is a great guy, I like him a lot.
“I know him from being with Maria, obviously, but even then he was based at IMG where I was training in Florida and I would see him working with all the other players.
“He’s just got a lot of experience. He’s a very easy-going personality on the road, which is an underrated trait. From what I’ve seen, they’ve done really well. I think he’s going to be a great addition.
“It’s something he’s wanted to do for years, but you’re looking for the right person, you’re looking for someone who fits in really well with the team, and that seems to be the case here. I think they will continue for quite some time.”
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Laura Robson and Tim Henman discuss the impact Raducanu’s new trainer will have and how it can improve her fitness
Raducanu: It’s hard for me to give everything to a friendship
Raducanu has forged friendships with other players, but admits there are some obstacles
Raducanu cut a lonely figure as she tried to settle into the tour after her US Open triumph but, three years on, she appears happier and more relaxed.
Raducanu clearly enjoyed being part of Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team last year and has forged friendships with other players, but admits there are some obstacles.
“I have some friends on tour who are really nice and great to spend time with on a day off or an afternoon off or a meal together,” he said.
“But it’s also really hard to get too close to them when you’re competing against them. I’m someone who gives everything to my friends, so it’s hard for me to give everything to a friendship and then play them on the court.
“I think there’s always going to be a bit of a barrier in some way, but I have a really good relationship with most of the girls.”
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
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- IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Open 13 Provence (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
- Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – February 3-8
- Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – February 9-15
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) – 16-22 February
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2025-01-12 09:10:00
