Emma Raducanu Poised to Turn Rumors Into Reality With Sensational Addition to Her Team Ahead of 2025 WTA Season
Emma Raducanu is back in the spotlight, and this time, it’s for all the right reasons! Fresh off a sensational campaign at the Billie Jean King Cup, the British star silenced her critics by winning all five matches she played for her country. After a season riddled with injuries and setbacks, Raducanu has shown incredible grit. But as she sets her sights on a new season, there’s more buzz than ever—and it’s about the new addition to her coaching team. Fueling the rumor is none other than Naomi Cavaday, sister of Raducanu’s current coach, Nick Cavaday.
The former British player engaged in an interaction on the Tennish podcast and deliberated on a wide range of aspects as she discussed the end of the WTA season. Taking about Raducanu, Cavaday confirmed the rumors about her discussions for a partnership with fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura. Naomi revealed that while a permanent contract is yet to be signed between the two, the discussions are taking place vehemently – Nakamura may soon join her brother Nick to form a strong team for Raducanu.
Speaking in the interview Naomi said, “She is gonna stick working with my brother as her coach so Nick will be her coach in 2025.” Remember, Raducanu partnered with Nick as her coach only this year after changing multiple coaches and seems to be happy under his mentorship. Raducanu highlighted that she has known Nick for a very long time and that they “just work in the same way,” which makes their partnership stronger. But now, she is also preparing to join forces with Nakamura, per Naomi.
Continuing further in the interview, she said, “I think she has been very happy with how things are going this season and is looking to build the team up. Things are looking good. She has said the contract isn’t signed. So until the contract isn’t signed, obviously things can change but at the moment everything looks very good that, you know, she will be working with Yutaka Nakabura from 2025.” She also highlighted that Nakamura flew down from Florida to join Raducanu and Nick ahead of the BJK Cup for “a training week.”
Emma Raducanu is looking at hiring Yutaka Nakamura, the fitness trainer who worked with Sharapova for 8 years, and then Osaka among others. Will be a statement of intent if she goes ahead https://t.co/W2Jcmb3xX6
— Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) November 7, 2024
For the unversed, the rumors started to gain weight after Telegraph Sport reported that a full-time deal between Raducanu and Nakamura is being discussed. But Emma Raducanu has continued to remain tight-lipped over the matter. When quizzed about the same during the BJK Cup, Raducanu seemed to share a skeptical answer and said, “We are having discussions. Yeah, we’ll see. I’m looking forward for 2025 regardless.” Nakamura, meanwhile, boasts a strong CV and has worked with top players like Maria Sharapova for eight years and Naomi Osaka for an equally lengthy period. He also had stints with other star players like Jennifer Capriati, Mary Pierce, Tommy Haas, Kei Nishikori, and Denis Shapovalov. Meanwhile, the discussions about the new addition come at a time when Raducanu has faced some serious challenges pertaining to her health.
After remaining away from the courts for around 8 months last year and undergoing wrist and ankle surgeries, the Brit witnessed a struggling season this year as well. Raducanu has played just 14 tournaments this season, excluding the BJK Cup. During her stint at the Korea Open, she also withdrew after suffering a foot injury during her quarterfinal clash against Daria Kasatkina. However, irrespective of whatever happens about her rumored partnership with Nakamura, Raducanu is pumped up for the next season.
“Excited and just itching” – Emma Raducanu shares true emotions for her next season
Emma Raducanu might have failed to achieve significantly this season but the remarkable progress she made cannot be ignored. Despite starting her season as No. 285, she managed to rise extensively and is closing the year as World No. 58. Adding to this, her latest campaign at the BJK Cup has further fueled her motivation and she is excited to return to the courts soon.
Speaking about this, the star player said, “I think traditionally you’d probably have a bit of a break and take a holiday or something.” However, she acknowledged that her latest tournament is giving her the motivation to continue without a break. “But I feel like I have had four, five weeks off tennis, and I don’t really need any more time off.” Continuing further, she highlighted how excited she is to be back on the courts soon.
“If anything, I’m excited and just itching to get on the practice court, and of course seeing some of my performances this week, it just incentivises me to do more work,” Raducanu stated. For now, it would be interesting to see if the British star would come out to confirm the rumors of her partnership with Nakamura.
