“I’m looking forward to 2025 regardless,”– said Emma Raducanu when quizzed about her plans for the next season. And if things go in the right direction, fans might greet a transformed Raducanu, and her new team next season. But things are still in the air when it comes to the talks around a probable partnership with the fitness coach, Yutaka Nakamura. However, former Brit tennis professionals, Laura Robson and Tim Henman are already weighing in on what this partnership could mean for Raducanu, who struggled for most of the season!

Emma Raducanu’s 2024 season has been a roller coaster. She played just 31 matches, in 14 tournaments. Though she did manage to reach R16 at the Wimbledon Championships and semifinals of Rothesay Open, the rest of her season has been a story of misses. Hence, when Sky Sports Tennis asked Robson and Henman for their views on this probable collaboration; both of them had a positive response. And went on to explain why Raducanu needs this.

Nakamura has a history of working with star players. He has worked with Maria Sharapova, Naomi Osaka, Denis Shapovalov, Kei Nishikori, and Jennifer Capriati, among others. Moreover, the star trainer has collaborated across sports, too. The celebrated American golfer, Nelly Korda, has also been on his list. Talking about Nakamura, Robson said, “(He) has a really long history of being world class. Yeah, he is such a nice guy to get along with.”

Moreover, if Nakamura and Raducanu work out an agreement, according to Robson, “it would be a really good addition to the team.” However, Nakamura’s addition to Raducanu’s team is not just about a fitness trainer. The Brit star is said to be building a team around her if the anchor’s words are to be believed. On this, Henman thinks that it’s much needed for Raducanu.

Henman further detailed how Nakamura could help Raducanu overcome her weak points on tour. He said, “The element that she probably struggled with the most is her physical resilience. We talk about these long seasons, being out there and competing on tour. You know, she is still trying to build that resilience.” Rightly so! After suffering from multiple injuries over the years, even opting for wrist surgeries, Raducanu needs to find a way to stay through the season.

However, what surprised Henman was the fact that, despite such a short season, Raducanu still finished in the top 60. Hence, if she could just play for tournaments in the upcoming season, “there is gonna be more opportunities for her to move in the right direction.” And if she could bring in Nakamura to the team, “it would be a really good news.”

Though nothing is confirmed, yet, Emma Raducanu is hopeful of turning things around for her, after finding stability in coach Nick Cavaday. And as Henman thinks, the trainer might help her prevent the injuries, which has plagued her seasons since her only Grand Slam title win.

Could Emma Raducanu break the unfortunate injury and recovery cycle with the new addition?

Emma Raducanu just might do that. The key to ascending to the top of the WTA circuit is to be consistent throughout the season. However, the Brit has failed to do so, due to multiple injuries and further recovery, after her 1st and only Grand slam win. Since 2021, Raducanu has dealt with injuries on both of her wrists and had to undergo surgery. This was not all. She also suffered from ankle issues in the past. In more recent times, during the Korea Open, the Brit withdrew midway through the tournament due to a ligament tear.

Opening up about her injury during the Korea Open, she said, “I actually did it in my second round there and managed to finish the match. But I ended up not playing for about four or five weeks after that. Yeah, I think the last three weeks have been a gradual buildup and return to play. I have done some really good work. I’m feeling good about my game in a place where I can try to compete and give everything on the match court, but it is quite different.”

She was right about being ready for the Billie Jean King Cup finals and representing her nation. Hopefully, things will work out for Emma Raducanu in the next season, and win another Grand Slam!