Emma Raducanu has made a bold statement in her final media briefing of 2024, revealing some important decisions that show she is learning from the challenges of the past year. Notably, the 22-year-old confirmed that she has added renowned fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura to her team, following hints made during her participation in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. This new partnership could be a game-changer for Raducanu, who has battled with injury setbacks since her unexpected US Open triumph in 2021.
Nakamura, known for his success with tennis stars like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, will now travel with Raducanu throughout the season. Raducanu expressed her excitement, explaining that Nakamura’s expertise could unlock her untapped athletic potential. “I think he is going to help me just really explore how far I can go, athletically,” she shared. The British star has long recognized her physical talent but believes she has yet to fully develop it. “I think I can become one of the best athletes out there in tennis, and I’m just looking forward to seeing how much I can do,” Raducanu added.
Having relied on the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) staff for her fitness training in the past, Raducanu is eager to work with someone whose approach aligns with her mindset. She emphasized their shared focus, saying, “When we work, we’re not talking or chitchatting about other things. It’s very much like this is our time to focus.” Outside of training, however, she appreciates their easy rapport. “When we’re off the court or at the gym, then we talk about whatever,” she added.
This partnership with Nakamura isn’t Raducanu’s only significant change as she heads into the new season. Reflecting on her performance in 2024, the young star acknowledged the importance of tournament scheduling—a lesson learned after being criticized for a limited pre-US Open schedule. With just one event under her belt before New York, Raducanu felt the effects in her early exit from the tournament, losing to Sofia Kenin in her opener. “I would have preferred to probably play a little bit more before coming into the US Open,” she confessed. “When I have a lot of matches, just like every player, you feel really good, you feel like everything’s automatic.”
Raducanu is now planning to change that strategy. She’s already set to compete in a warm-up event in Auckland ahead of the Australian Open and is considering adding another tournament in Adelaide to her schedule. Her determination to properly prepare for the first Grand Slam of the year is clear, as she has planned a warm-weather training block in Australia during Christmas. “I want to get out in the heat a bit earlier. It makes sense to go all the way rather than go somewhere and then come back and then fly out again,” Raducanu explained.
Despite feeling physically strong and fit, Raducanu acknowledges the difference between training and competitive play. “On the training court, I feel amazing,” she said, expressing confidence in her movement and fitness. “But it’s different playing matches.” Having tested herself in the Billie Jean King Cup, Raducanu was pleased with her recovery and stamina. “I felt good. I felt like I recovered well. I wasn’t tiring in the matches.” She’s now eager to see how she’ll handle more consecutive matches as the competition intensifies. “It would just be good to see as the level increases, and if I have to play more back-to-back, how I’m going to react,” she added.
With a fresh approach to her fitness, an adjusted tournament schedule, and the expertise of Nakamura, Raducanu is gearing up for a stronger 2025 season, ready to conquer the challenges ahead.