Emma Raducanu criticised for ‘staggering decision’ after Indian Wells exit

Emma Raducanu has shown ‘ruthless streak’ says commentator

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Emma Raducanu has been criticised for her decision to part ways with coach Andrew Richardson in the wake of her US Open triumph. The 18-year-old won the first Grand Slam of her career in September. But she was unable to build on those displays at Indian Wells, losing to Aliaksandra Sasnovich in straight sets.

Raducanu went into her match with Sasnovich expected to continue her fine form.

However, the teenager was outplayed by her Belarusian opponent, who triumphed 6-2, 6-4.

Raducanu recently split with her coach Richardson, believing she needed someone who can help her stay at the top of her game.

She explained her decision by saying: “Where I was at after Wimbledon, I was ranked around 200 in the world and at the time I thought Andrew would be a great coach to trial.

“So we went to the States but never did I even dream of winning the US Open and having the run I did and now I’m ranked 22 in the world, which is pretty crazy to me.

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“I feel like at this stage in my career, and playing the top players in the world, I realised I really need someone right now that has had that WTA Tour experience at the high levels, which means that I’m looking for someone who has been at that level and knows what it takes.

“And especially right now because I’m so new to it, I really need someone to guide me who’s already been through that.”

But former British tennis player John Lloyd, writing for Mail+, has criticised Raducanu for her decision.

“I find it hard to believe Emma made that decision,” he said.

“Look at the celebrations Emma had with Richardson and the team after she won the US Open.

“She described it as the most joyous moment of her career. Three weeks later, that relationship was over.

It’s a staggering decision. I hope Richardson was sitting down when he received the phone call.

“If I was him, my question would have been: what else could I have done? Yes, it was a temporary arrangement but you have just been dumped after the biggest upset in tennis history. It’s mind-boggling.

“You won a Grand Slam with this team. Why change that? Why not give it a few months?”

Lloyd then continued: “The relationship between a player and coach is an intimate one.

“There has to be a deep level of trust. The coach has to know everything about you: how you’re feeling, your habits, your personality, your good days and bad. Emma has adapted well to two coaches and both have been let go.

“One of the reasons players use superstar coaches like Boris Becker is because they have won Slams and can tell you things those who haven’t can’t.

“Emma didn’t have that at the US Open and it didn’t do her much harm.

“There is a limited schedule for the rest of the year. Why wouldn’t you use this period to see how your relationship progresses? If things are not gelling, OK, part ways.

“I don’t think an experienced person made this decision. It’s wrong. It makes no sense. It hasn’t been thought through.”

Lloyd also believes Raducanu needs stability, too.

“Emma’s parents are learning every day and they have, clearly, done a brilliant job so far,” he said.

“She can win anything, she’s that good, but she is going to need some stability.

“It is still early days. At some point these decisions will be completely her own.

“I hope this is one she does not come to regret.”

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