Emma Raducanu learning to thrive on her own ahead of Transylvania Open: 'You need to coach yourself'

Published 25/10/2021 at 07:24 GMT

Raducanu parted company with Andrew Richardson after the former British professional helped guide her to a stunning triumph at the US Open. She briefly combined with Jeremy Bates at Indian Wells, and has had a trial with Esteban Carril this week. Carril is the former coach of Johanna Konta. Raducanu is reportedly keen to make an appointment before the 2022 season.

Emma Raducanu of Great Britain practices with her temporary coach Jeremy Bates of Great Britain at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens on October 07, 2021 in Indian Wells, California

Image credit: Getty Images

Emma Raducanu says that she is learning to coach herself and will not hurry a long-term appointment.

The US Open champion has been seeking a replacement for Andrew Richardson after parting company with the former British professional in the weeks following her stunning triumph in New York.

Raducanu has had a trial with Esteban Carril, former coach of Johanna Konta, this week ahead of her campaign at the Transylvania Open in Romania.

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A partnership with Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) national coach Jeremy Bates did not extend beyond an opening match exit at Indian Wells.

The 18-year-old revealed on the eve of the tournament that she will continue to trial coaches ahead of a potential appointment before the start of the 2022 season and a maiden tilt at the Australian Open.

However Raducanu believes that it is important that she is able to thrive independently.

"I think having a coach is great. But once again you are on your own on the court," Raducanu explained.

I don't think it's great to be dependent. You need to coach yourself. It's something I'm learning.

"Sometimes it won't always work, like in Indian Wells, but in the long term if I keep doing that then I will be better in the situations in the future.

"I had a couple of trials this last week. I had a trial with Esteban. But I also had trials with others.

"I am feeling optimistic about trying to have something in place for the off-season and the Australian Open."

Raducanu faces Polona Hercog first at the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca.

She is the third seed and makes a return to the country of her father.

Raducanu's grandmother still lives in the Romanian capital of Bucharest and she has fond memories of the nation.

"I love Romania. I used to come once or twice a year to visit my grandmother, who lives in Bucharest, while growing up. It is an hour's flight from here.

"The welcome I got was really, really nice and I always love coming back."