Less than two weeks after he helped her win the US Open, Emma Raducanu has split from coach Andrew Richardson.
The prodigious 18-year old said she is looking to work with someone more experienced.
Raducanu had only been working with Richardson (47) since her 4th round exit at Wimbledon.
She wants a coach who can take her game to the next level.
"It’s tough to have that conversation with anyone," said Raducanu, "But I think for me that’s just really what I need – someone who’s had that professional tour experience, and has been through it, and seen players in my situation for many years, going through the same because it’s going to take a lot."
Richardson has coached ex-pros like Ross Hutchins and Alan Mackin, but had very little experience at the top level.
“After Wimbledon, I was ranked around 200 in the world” Raducanu said. “And, at the time I thought Andrew would be a great coach to try and I went to the States.
"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.”
There are plenty of options out there for a player who suddenly has gone from challenger events to the main WTA Tour in the blink of an eye.
Just this week, Simona Halep split from her coach Darren Cahill after six years and two Grand Slams together.
But Raducanu will take her time in appointing a successor to Richardson, saying, "When playing tournaments this year, I don’t think that’s the best time to try to out a coach.
"So in the pre-season, when I’m done with whatever tournaments I play, I’m going to try some coaches out.
She added, “I feel like at this stage of my career I really need someone that has had that WTA experience at the high levels.
"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.”
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