Emma Raducanu is in talks to hire the prominent fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura as she works to address the injury woes that have hindered her career. Raducanu has faced multiple setbacks in recent years, including surgeries on her wrists and ankle, and more recently, a foot injury that kept her out for nearly two months. However, the Briton is optimistic about her future and determined to overcome these challenges with the help of a strong fitness program. Nakamura, a well-respected figure in tennis who has worked with stars like Maria Sharapova, Naomi Osaka, and Kei Nishikori, could help Raducanu enhance her physical preparation, enabling her to stay healthier and perform consistently on the tour.
Raducanu’s ultimate goal for 2025 is to stay injury-free and extend her playing time on the court. This year, despite ranking in the top 60, Raducanu’s schedule was limited, playing fewer than 15 events. She believes that with more time on the court, she could reach even greater heights in her career. Her athleticism, she feels, is a strength, but she acknowledges it has not yet reached its full potential. Raducanu is now fully committed to improving her fitness and exploring her athletic capabilities.
Raducanu is scheduled to make her competitive return at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, pending selection by Great Britain’s captain Anne Keothavong. Her return follows a period of rest and recovery after sustaining her foot injury during the Korea Open in September. This year, Raducanu has only played a handful of tournaments, including a brief appearance at the US Open, before taking time off to recover. Over the past few weeks, she has been gradually increasing her training load and is excited to begin building momentum for the upcoming season.
Raducanu’s recent time off allowed her to spend some quality time with her grandmother in China, where she also indulged in reading and returned to the piano. Despite the extended break, she feels recharged and ready to train intensively for next season. With the year winding down, Raducanu is eager to start 2025 with a clean slate, without any further extended breaks due to injury.
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which are being held in Málaga this year, represent an important opportunity for Raducanu and her teammates. The competition was initially set to take place in Seville but was relocated due to unforeseen circumstances. Severe rainfall and flooding in Málaga caused significant disruption, forcing the ITF to reschedule the opening matches, including Spain’s clash with Poland, which was moved to Saturday.
For the British team, including Raducanu, the disruption meant a day spent indoors working out and bonding with teammates, including Heather Watson. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the team found ways to stay active, incorporating yoga and core sessions into their day. The rain also coincided with Raducanu’s 22nd birthday, which added a touch of lightheartedness to the otherwise difficult situation.
The British team is looking forward to their upcoming matches, and Raducanu’s return to competitive tennis has generated excitement. Alongside Katie Boulter, Raducanu will be a key player as Great Britain aims for success in the tournament. Both players are ranked higher than their German counterparts, and a victory in the next match would set them up for a potential showdown with defending champions Canada.
