Is Emma Raducanu’s Fitness Trainer Just Another Temporary Solution?

Emma Raducanu is making another significant change. The 22-year-old has enlisted the expertise of acclaimed fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, who has previously assisted Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka in their Grand Slam endeavors. This effort aims to develop a physique that contributes to a body of work continuously associated with her remarkable fortnight in Flushing Meadows three years back.

“I believe it’s a major strength of mine that I haven’t even begun to tap into. I am confident I can become one of the top athletes in tennis, and I’m excited to see how much I can achieve,” stated the 2021 U.S. Open champion. In her welcoming remarks, Raducanu expressed great optimism about the Japanese coach who will accompany her “pretty much every week of the year.” Given the number of coaches that have come and gone, that shows a considerable commitment.

In many respects, this hiring is entirely logical. Since her fairytale run in New York three years ago, her upward momentum has been hampered by injuries.

Historically, the Brit’s injury history has been a weak point throughout her junior and senior careers. She missed eight months in 2023 following surgery on her wrists and left ankle. Nonetheless, her remarkable ascent continued to attract sponsorship even without competing. Those unforgettable moments in the Big Apple were a fairy tale scenario. Winning ten consecutive matches allowed her to avoid the pressure of producing an immediate follow-up to make top dollar away from the court.

The win against Leylah Fernandez on Arthur Ashe was beautiful in its simplicity and carefree nature. However, that cannot sustain the relentless cycle of a season that offers no pause. Raducanu displayed indicators of vulnerability at Wimbledon when she advanced to the fourth round before withdrawing due to a medical issue against Ajla Tomljanovic. It was clear that her physical output struggled to match the strength and endurance required for competition.

Nakamura has entered a complex situation. Raducanu’s career is still in its tentative beginnings, but the demands and impatience for results seem to be at odds. There’s a restlessness in her thought process that often shifts between ideas. Raducanu has frequently changed coaches and hasn’t hesitated to challenge them. “I tend to ask my coaches a lot of questions. Many times, they haven’t been able to keep pace with my inquiries, and perhaps that contributed to our parting,” she remarked in 2023.

The World No.58 exhibits a significant independent streak. She possesses the ability to dictate her own terms. There has always been an impression that the Raducanu family operates on their own terms, but the sudden success at a major tournament as a relatively unknown 18-year-old has placed their methods under global scrutiny. This is a phenomenon in sports. Boris Becker once questioned why Judy Murray was constantly with her son Andy in 2011. Within a few years, Murray secured two Slams, and the topic faded away.

By capturing a major title unexpectedly, Raducanu has accrued almost limitless leeway. One could argue that her teenage achievements have sidelined wiser guidance since the victory came when she was relatively unnoticed. Tennis used to be enjoyable, not merely a profession. It feels contradictory to assert she is “the best athlete out there” when an immediate goal is to achieve a full year on tour without injuries.

At the start of January, she expressed confidence that success was on the horizon: “I genuinely believe my level is simply too high not to shine through if I maintain consistent efforts.” While that may seem like a casual remark, it indicates her awareness of how to achieve results. In the three years since her U.S. Open triumph, the British No. 2 has not reached a single semi-final.

“To truly understand an athlete, you need to get closer to them. That’s why having the skills to comprehend and refine those skills can be highly effective as a trainer,” Nakamura shared with the Japanese daily, Mainichi in 2020. Will Raducanu develop that kind of bond? It’s notable that she has returned to her childhood coach Nick Cavaday after experimenting with five other coaches over two years. Connections with those outside her original circle haven’t shown longevity.

Following her defeat to Sofia Kenin in the first round at Flushing Meadows in August, Raducanu suggested internal conflicts when she mentioned wanting to “manage my schedule differently.” There’s an urgency to establish a functional routine, to shift the focus away from that singular brilliant day. Her commitment to work is unquestionable. Her determination can be an asset, but it also leads to blind spots in strategic planning.

“Ultimately, you’re out there by yourself and you must be your own coach on the court,” Raducanu reflected a month after her biggest achievement. How far can she push her body or, more crucially, how far can she be pushed? It’s not entirely up to her racket.