Emma Raducanu sent worrying coaching warning by Maria Sharapova’s ex-mentor
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Maria Sharapova’s former mentor Michael Joyce has sent Emma Raducanu a worrying coaching warning, after the US Open champion parted ways with former coach Andrew Richardson last month.
Raducanu shocked tennis fans around the world after deciding to part ways with Robertson, the coach who helped the teen sensation to her historic US Open triumph in New York in September.
Following her coach’s departure the British star is now on the lookout for a new mentor with more ‘Tour experience’, and following her first round departure at the Indian Wells Masters this week she released a desperate plea for a new coach to join her ranks.
After Raducanu was beaten in straight sets by world No 100 Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Saturday, she commented: “I’d love to have someone with great experience right now by my side so if any experienced coaches are out there looking, you know where to find me.
“I don’t know what’s going on, I don’t know what’s going to happen next but I’m sure my team and everyone will try and find a solution. I wasn’t joking. If anyone knows any experienced coaches…”
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However, the man behind Sharapova’s 2001 Wimbledon success at just 17-years-old has warned off potential Tour coaches that may be interested in working with Raducanu.
Joyce told The Sun: “I was really surprised with the wording of the statement that was released when Emma announced she was splitting with Andrew Richardson, saying she felt she needed someone with Tour-level experience.
“I didn’t like the statement. If you have a good coach and it works well, then you’d think you would want to stick with them. Why would you want a big-name coach?
“She’s a great player but it’s going to be a tough job for the next coach, as expectations are high.”
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Joyce enjoyed a remarkable stint with the Russian star, helping her on her way to become one of the greatest players of her generation.
A key aspect the former mentor put down to their successes was the relationship they shared before he came in as coach, as he revealed the pair got to know each other when Joyce was the 34-year-old’s hitting partner.
As a result, he feels due to the magnitude of Raducanu’s reputation already, it will be tough for the 18-year-old’s new coach to come in and help deliver success without an already built relationship.
He added: “If she goes to the Australian Open next year and goes out early, people will say it’s because of the coach.
“I’d known Maria for quite a long time before coaching her, as I was her hitting partner. We got to know each other, we were on a journey. It’s a tough one for whoever comes in and works with Emma as they won’t have that relationship and they will be under a lot of scrutiny.”
The one piece of advice Joyce did offer to the US Open champion is to speak with his former player Sharapova, for tips on how to cope and compete at the highest level.
The American said: “Players can get on a hot streak, get in a zone and a bubble where everything just seems to come together. It’s how you react when that comes to an end.
“There are likely to be hiccups with such a young player, with expectations high and a superstar status to get used to. It can only help Emma to speak to Maria so I would encourage her to do that.”
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