Emma Raducanu Reunites with US Open Coach Andrew Richardson Ahead of Rome Return

Key facts

• Emma Raducanu has not played a competitive match since losing to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells in early March.
• She withdrew from tournaments in Linz and Madrid due to a viral illness that began in Romania last February.
• Raducanu trained at the Ferrer Academy near Benidorm, Spain, under Andrew Richardson, who coached her to the 2021 US Open title.
• Richardson is tennis director at the academy founded by former world No. 3 David Ferrer.
• Raducanu is due to practice with German player Eva Lys in Rome on Saturday and hopes to play the Italian Open starting next week.
• She has been without a primary coach since parting with Francisco Roig after the Australian Open in January.
• As a seeded player, Raducanu would receive a first-round bye and not play before Thursday.
• Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski advised Raducanu to play clay-court tennis before transitioning to grass.

A Familiar Face on the Practice Court

Emma Raducanu has reunited with Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to a stunning US Open victory as an 18-year-old qualifier in 2021, as she prepares to return to competition at next week's Italian Open in Rome. The 23-year-old Briton, sidelined since early March by a persistent viral illness, spent a short training spell at the Ferrer Academy near Benidorm, Spain, where Richardson now serves as tennis director. The academy was founded by David Ferrer, the former world number three and French Open runner-up. Raducanu's advisers said she wanted to practice on European clay before upcoming tournaments, and her long history with Richardson—who also coached her as a junior—made the academy an attractive option. However, there are currently no plans for the two to work together during the clay-court season or beyond.

A Lengthy Absence from Competitive Play

Raducanu has not played a competitive match since a heavy defeat to Amanda Anisimova at the WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells at the beginning of March. She subsequently withdrew from the Miami Open, as well as clay-court tournaments in Linz and Madrid, citing an ongoing viral illness that first troubled her at a tournament in Romania last February. The extended time away has fueled speculation about her health and readiness, but her camp has consistently described the issue as a virus requiring full recovery. Her last appearance remains that Indian Wells match, making the upcoming Italian Open a significant test of her fitness and form.

Coaching Carousel Continues

Raducanu has been without a primary coach since parting ways with Francisco Roig after the Australian Open in January. In recent months, she has relied on Alexis Canter for regular support. Speaking at Indian Wells, Raducanu said her mind was 'open' to the possibility of hiring another full-time coach but expressed reservations about the intense scrutiny that accompanies any of her coaching decisions. Her reunion with Richardson is intriguing given their history. Richardson was in the coaching box when Raducanu won the 2021 US Open without dropping a set. However, after that spectacular triumph, Raducanu and her family decided she needed an experienced WTA coach, and Richardson's contract was not extended—a decision that drew criticism at the time.

Preparations in Rome and Beyond

Raducanu is scheduled to practice with German player Eva Lys in Rome on Saturday lunchtime. She will also train at the Foro Italico on Saturday in the hope of being fit to play in next week's Italian Open. As a seeded player, she would receive a first-round bye and therefore not have to play before Thursday. The Italian Open, a WTA 1000 event, will mark her first competitive action in over two months. Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski has backed her return, advising that she should play some clay-court tennis before transitioning to the grass season in England next month. 'Everybody's got to manage their body differently,' Rusedski said on his podcast, noting that even Novak Djokovic had to adjust his diet and training to find the right balance.

Clay-Court Expertise and Short-Term Arrangement

Richardson is considered something of a clay-court expert in his role at the Ferrer Academy, which is located near Alicante. His input could be valuable as Raducanu navigates the European clay swing, but the arrangement appears temporary. The Briton has a history of short coaching tenures, having worked with a succession of coaches since her US Open triumph. For now, the focus is on Rome. Raducanu's team is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing full recovery from the viral illness that has derailed her season. The Italian Open will provide a first glimpse of whether she can regain the form that made her a Grand Slam champion.

The bottom line

• Emma Raducanu will return to competitive tennis at next week's Italian Open after a two-month absence due to a viral illness.
• She has trained with Andrew Richardson, the coach who led her to the 2021 US Open title, but the arrangement is not expected to be long-term.
• Raducanu has been without a primary coach since January and has expressed openness to hiring a new full-time coach despite concerns about public scrutiny.
• Her last match was a loss to Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells in early March; she withdrew from Miami, Linz, and Madrid to recover.
• Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski has advised Raducanu to use clay-court events as preparation for the grass season.