Emma Raducanu is turning back the clock in a bid to rediscover her winning form—and she's doing it by reuniting with the coach who helped her achieve tennis immortality.
The 2021 US Open champion has been on a rollercoaster ride since her stunning breakthrough in Flushing Meadows. Earlier this year, she parted ways with coach Francisco Roig, admitting she had "lost her tennis identity" and needed to "re-evaluate" her game. Now, ahead of the Italian Open, Raducanu is taking a surprising step: she's gone back to the familiar face that started it all.
Andrew Richardson, the man who guided a then-18-year-old Raducanu through that unforgettable title run, joined her for a short training block at the Ferrer Academy in Alicante, Spain. The academy, founded by former world No. 1 David Ferrer, provided the perfect setting for a focused reset—both technically and mentally—as Raducanu prepares for the remainder of the clay-court swing.
This reunion carries a certain poetic weight. After her historic US Open victory, Raducanu faced criticism for cutting ties with Richardson just weeks later. Now, with her game in flux and her ranking sitting at No. 27, she's leaning on the people who knew her before the spotlight grew blinding.
It's a pattern that's become familiar for the young Brit. She's consistently turned to trusted figures from her past—names like Nick Cavaday and Mark Petchey have remained part of her inner circle, offering stability amid a constantly shifting coaching setup. Since January, Raducanu has been without a permanent coach, traveling instead with hitting partner Alexis Canter and physiotherapist Emma Stewart, with Petchey briefly stepping in during Indian Wells.
But don't expect this reunion to become permanent. Sources indicate Richardson's involvement is a short-term arrangement, with no plans for him to stay on through the rest of the clay season. For now, it's a strategic move—a chance for Raducanu to reconnect with the instincts and confidence that once made her the sport's most talked-about star.
After her sessions in Alicante, Raducanu has returned to her regular preparation. The question now is whether this blast from the past can help her find her game—and her identity—once again.