What's happened
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is restructuring her approach to balance on-court performance and off-court commitments. After a challenging year marked by injuries, she aims to enhance her fitness and play more tournaments in 2025, supported by new trainer Yutaka Nakamura and coach Nick Cavaday.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Eleanor Crooks from The Independent highlights Raducanu's shift in focus towards a more structured training regimen, emphasizing the importance of saying no to off-court distractions. Meanwhile, BBC News notes her impressive rise in rankings despite limited play, showcasing her resilience. Tumaini Carayol from The Guardian discusses Raducanu's commitment to enhancing her athletic performance with the help of her new fitness coach, indicating a strategic pivot in her career. Collectively, these sources illustrate Raducanu's determination to balance her commercial success with her athletic ambitions.
How we got here
Raducanu's career has been tumultuous since her US Open victory, facing injuries and ranking fluctuations. After surgeries in 2023, she has made a significant comeback, climbing from 303rd to 59th in the world rankings in 2024, while also becoming one of the highest-earning female athletes.
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