Tim Henman is praising Emma Raducanu’s latest coaching move and adds that it is not easy “being the CEO of your own little world” at a young age and making big decisions.
Since the Briton’s historic 2021 US Open win, she has been one of the most criticized players in the game.
In the last few years, there were many times when people would question her coaching and scheduling decisions but also her commitment to tennis when frequent injuries started to occur.
However, the feeling is that Raducanu has settled over the last year as she spent a full season with one coach for the first time in her career – Nick Cavaday.
Then in the offseason, the 22-year-old also hired Maria Sharapova’s former long-time strength and conditioning coach Yutaka Nakamura.
The Briton has shown signs of improvement over the last 12 months and now seems to have a good foundation for the future.
Henman on Raducanu: The CEO of her own little world and she made a great decision in hiring Nakamura
“What you have to understand is that the business environment of a professional tennis player is slightly bizarre in that you are the CEO of your own little world, and you are taking responsibility,” the former six-time Grand Slam semifinalist told The i Paper.
“When most people might be doing that at 35, 45 or 55, here you are as a 19, 20, 21 year old girl who’s got to take on those responsibilities.
“This is a part of a professional tennis player’s business that does take time to adjust to.
“Now she’s obviously got the opportunity to invest in her career, because she’s made a lot of money and that’s why I think it’s a good move to have someone that can look after your body full-time from the physical point of view.”
Emma Raducanu© Emma Raducanu/Instagram – Fair Use
After hiring Nakamura, Raducanu said she believed she could become one of the best athletes on the WTA Tour and added that she felt confident she had the right person to make that possible.
In any case, there is no doubt that the Briton is very serious about becoming stronger and being able to play a lot more than in previous years.
Tennis World USA