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By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, December 6, 2024
Photo credit: Kate Green/Getty for LTA
In an exciting move to enhance her physical abilities and overall performance, Emma Raducanu has enlisted the expertise of a renowned fitness coach.
The talented 22-year-old Raducanu has opted for the guidance of fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, as reported by BBC’s Russell Fuller. Nakamura brings a wealth of experience, having previously collaborated with Grand Slam champions like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, which positions him as a valuable asset in Raducanu’s pursuit of athletic excellence.
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Currently ranked World No. 58, Raducanu has faced a series of challenges due to injuries and surgeries since her historic triumph at the 2021 US Open, where she became the first qualifier, male or female, to win a Grand Slam singles title. This monumental achievement has set high expectations for her future performances.
In her recent competitions, Raducanu encountered a setback, falling to Sofia Kenin in the first round of the US Open. However, she demonstrated resilience by reaching the quarterfinals in two of her last three tournaments in 2024, showcasing her potential to reclaim her position among the elite in women’s tennis.
According to the BBC, Raducanu, along with her coaching team, including coach Nick Cavaday and Nakamura, has been diligently training this week at the National Tennis Centre in London. This preparation is crucial as she gears up for her highly anticipated 2025 season opener in Auckland, aiming to start the year on a strong note.
Raducanu, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on November 13th, expressed enthusiasm about her collaboration with Nakamura, stating that he will accompany her most weeks throughout the year. She is optimistic that their combined efforts will not only help her avoid injuries but also unleash her full athletic potential on the court.
Reflecting on her aspirations, Raducanu shared, “I think he is going to help me just really explore how far I can go, like athletically,” during an interview with BBC’s Russell Fuller. “I believe this is a significant strength of mine that remains largely untapped. I aspire to become one of the top athletes in tennis and am eager to discover the extent of my capabilities.”
She added, “Utilizing my natural athleticism is essential. I must refine and enhance it; it’s still in its raw form, and I feel it has not been fully developed. His guidance will be instrumental in helping me explore that potential.”
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