Raducanu on the Hunt for a New Coach as Nick Cavaday Steps Back

Emma Raducanu is in search of a new coach following Nick Cavaday’s decision to step down to focus on his health. Cavaday, who has known Raducanu since she was 10, played a pivotal role in her return to form after a challenging 2023 season marred by injuries. Raducanu, 22, underwent wrist and ankle surgeries that kept her sidelined for most of the year, but she managed to climb back into the world’s top 60 under Cavaday’s guidance. Expressing her gratitude, Raducanu remarked, “I’d like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit, especially post-surgeries. I wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

Cavaday’s tenure brought much-needed stability to Raducanu’s coaching team, a contrast to her earlier years of frequent changes. After her stunning 2021 US Open victory under Andrew Richardson, Raducanu had brief stints with coaches like Nigel Sears, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Sebastian Sachs. Cavaday, however, provided consistency, with Raducanu previously stating that she valued continuity and disliked frequent changes. Despite the progress made under his guidance, the 38-year-old coach emphasized his need to prioritize his health, acknowledging the challenges of balancing personal well-being with the rigors of the tennis calendar.

Raducanu’s journey under Cavaday showcased her resilience and growth, both on and off the court. Reflecting on their partnership, she credited him with fostering her development, saying, “I also see how much I’ve developed in the last year as well, on and off the court.” Despite her third-round exit at the Australian Open, the British star appeared optimistic, traveling to Singapore for a WTA 250 event with her fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, as she continues her preparation for the season.

Cavaday, while stepping back, expressed pride in Raducanu’s achievements and optimism for her future. “I am glad Emma is back to being established on tour now with a ranking inside the top 60,” he said, adding that he looks forward to seeing her next steps. For Raducanu, the search for her seventh full-time coach begins, with her career once again at a crossroads. The British tennis community eagerly anticipates how this transition will shape the next chapter in her evolving journey.