Emma Raducanu is gearing up for an exciting 2025! After a challenging 2023 season filled with injuries, she only managed to win 21 out of the 34 matches she played. This performance fell short of her usual standards. As the 2024 season wraps up, concerns about her form have surfaced. However, she’s back in action with early preseason training and a new coach!

“I think traditionally you’d probably have a bit of a break and take a holiday or something. But I feel like I have had four, five weeks off tennis, and I don’t really need any more time off,” the Briton shared in an interview with the WTA. After having to withdraw due to a foot injury she sustained at the Korea Open. While she sat out of the Asian swing, Raducanu shone at the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup, winning all her singles matches, although Great Britain did not advance past Slovakia in the semi-finals.

Amidst speculation about her coaching situation, Raducanu has found a new mentor. Earlier this month, it was announced that Yutaka Nakamura, known for his work with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, will join her team as fitness coach. Nakamura celebrated their partnership on Instagram with a selfie alongside Emma, captioned, “New Beginning @emmaraducanu.” Joining in on the excitement, Jannik Sinner‘s coach, Darren Cahill, also chimed in under the post saying, “Congrats mate 👏.”

Given Nakamura’s experience with top WTA players, this partnership could be a game-changer for Raducanu. She previously won the 2021 US Open with Andrew Richardson. The question remains: will this new duo meet expectations? Only time will tell. Overcoming a three-year winless streak will be tough. Nevertheless, both Raducanu and her new coach are optimistic and have laid out plans for a good season ahead.

Former 2021 US Open champ looks forward to a fresh start in the 2025 season

Emma Raducanu recently reflected on her journey at the LTA National Tennis Centre during her pre-season training. “I’d say that was a bit of a turning point where I was just like: ‘OK, next year, what do I want for myself?’” she shared. After a year filled with injuries, including surgery on both wrists and her left ankle, she realized the importance of staying fit. “I really want to make sure that I’m consistently doing the physical stuff,” she added, acknowledging that fitness often took a back seat during her busy schedule. To address this, Raducanu has hired Yutaka Nakamura as her new fitness coach. She aims to play a heavier schedule in 2025.

One of Nakamura’s primary goals will be to keep Raducanu injury-free after a tough 2024 season. However, the competition is fierce with top players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff all on the roster.

After three years on tour, Raducanu feels she has learned to manage her commitments better. “I’m obviously very grateful and fortunate to have had certain experiences and opportunities but I wasn’t prepared for it,” she admitted. With a renewed focus on prioritizing her health and performance, she is ready to tackle the challenges ahead in 2025. As she embarks on this new chapter with Nakamura, will she reclaim her place among the elite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!