Calls to ‘protect’ Emma Raducanu ramp up as Brit sent warning over coaching set up

Former British No 1 Greg Rusedski has urged the tennis community to ‘protect’ Emma Raducanu as the former US Open champion climbs the rankings. The 21-year-old is finding form again after a tough few years since her triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2021. Raducanu has been back in the WTA’s top 100 since her run to the fourth round at Wimbledon earlier this month. She overcame Elise Mertens at the Citi Open on Tuesday, having opted to play at the tournament over the Olympics.

Rusedski insists World No 89 Raducanu will continue to climb the rankings and will one day be back in the top 10. However, the 50-year-old has warned the British tennis sensation to have a consistent coaching team. “I think we’ve got to protect Emma because she’s on the way back right now,” Rusedski told Sky Sports. “Great signs, and I think if she keeps on having consistent work, [a] consistent team, she’ll get back into the top 10 hopefully. And that’s the ambition. “If she can stay healthy for the next six months to a year, the rankings are only going to go one direction and that’s upwards.”

Raducanu has already sifted through nine coaches during her short professional career. She teamed up with childhood coach Nick Cavaday just before this year’s Australian Open in January, and has known the former LTA coach since she was 10. The relationship has appeared to work for Raducanu, who has overcome the three surgeries she endured last year and now looks in top form. She will hope to go far at the Citi Open. Speaking after defeating Mertens, Raducanu said: “I think getting through first rounds is always difficult. I think first rounds are all about getting through them and trying to find a way to work your way into the tournament and I’m very proud of that

“I think I’m just most proud of my mentality and character today. I was playing some pretty good tennis in patches throughout, especially in the first set and moments in the third set. I lost some focus in the second. “It’s not easy playing at 11.30. I got here Thursday night so I’m still jet-lagged.” She added: “I was telling myself, ‘I’m not leaving. This is not happening. You’re not losing this match’.”