Tennis expert weighs in on Emma Raducanu decision to fire coach

Tennis expert Barry Cowan thinks Emma Raducanu firing another coach is a worrysome sign.

After winning the US Open, Raducanu made a shocking decision to fire coach Andrew Richardson.

Raducanu cited her desire to find a more experienced tour coach as the main reason for her decision.

After the 2021 season ended, Raducanu hired Torben Beltz.

Beltz was the coach that guided Angelique Kerber to Grand Slam victories and the world No. 1 ranking.

Less than five full months into the new season, Raducanu decided to split with Beltz.

The news comes just after Raducanu reached her best result of the season (Stuttgart quarterfinal).

Cowan on Raducanu splitting with Cowan

“Jokingly it’s like she started to do better so maybe a new coach was required!” Cowan told Sky Sports.

“That’s kind of been the theme with Emma since Wimbledon. I think it’s a worry. I have consistently said that what I’ve felt Emma needs is someone in her corner consistently. She is not able to have that.

“Moving forward it will be interesting to see who she works with. At this stage of any player’s career they are the most important years and the years when you need a consistent voice off the court and also on the court. Emma is not going to have that at the moment because she is looking for a new coach.”

Cowan advised Raducanu to think well before she announces someone as her new coach because constantly changing coaches won’t get her too far.

“Anyone who is not involved in the sport would think that’s a bit strange, she’s looking for a new coach. Most importantly, whoever she hires next this really does need to be someone who is with her for a long period of time because you can’t keep changing coach,” Cowan added.

“You can maybe get away with it once or twice but you can’t keep changing coaches every four or five months and think long term that’s going to be a benefit.”