As Emma Raducanu embarks on the journey of selecting her next coach, she might find it beneficial to take a page from Novak Djokovic’s playbook by addressing one of the glaring weaknesses in her game. When Djokovic teamed up with Goran Ivanisevic in 2019, the Serbian tennis legend had already accomplished more than most could dream of in the sport. Yet, there was still room for improvement, and Ivanisevic, renowned for his legendary serve, played a pivotal role in refining Djokovic’s own serving game. The result? Djokovic’s game reached new heights, solidifying his place in tennis history.
While Raducanu is still far from Djokovic’s level, as evidenced by her recent loss to former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in Abu Dhabi, hiring a coach of Ivanisevic’s caliber could provide her with a fresh perspective and a respected voice to guide her career. The idea of such a demanding coach entering her circle may raise some eyebrows, but it could be precisely the push Raducanu needs to overcome the obstacles that have hindered her progress early in 2025.
Ivanisevic’s brief stint coaching Elena Rybakina, which ended after an initial trial period, suggests he is open to coaching top female players. In a conversation with Tennis Majors, Ivanisevic shared his view on the women’s game, stating, “I always liked to watch women’s matches. Tennis is tennis, men’s or women’s, forehand, backhand, serve… At the end of the day, I think it’s the same, although everyone is telling me that the WTA Tour is completely different. I need to experience it first-hand.” His openness to working with women suggests that a partnership with Raducanu may not be as far-fetched as some might think.
For Raducanu, it’s clear that her serve is currently not at a level that can compete with the game’s elite players. In her recent matches, including those against Iga Swiatek and Cristina Bucsa, her serve came under heavy scrutiny, and the same issues resurfaced in her loss to Vondrousova. Despite a relatively solid first serve percentage of 64%, Raducanu was broken five times out of ten service games, with Vondrousova exerting constant pressure. This pattern of being unable to hold serve under pressure has become a troubling theme in Raducanu’s game.
The consequences were evident: Raducanu struggled to control the match, and unforced errors started to pile up, especially in the second set. However, rather than viewing this defeat as a setback, it may serve as a necessary wake-up call. If Raducanu hopes to return to her winning ways and challenge for top honors, she must address her serve, as it’s a critical component for her success moving forward.
Since Nick Cavaday’s departure from her coaching team following the Australian Open, Raducanu has been left to reflect on what comes next. With the calendar turning to 2025, it seems that the time for a bold coaching decision is now. Raducanu’s physical resilience has been put to the test, with just 33 matches played in 2024. Despite the challenges, Raducanu deserves credit for continuing to compete in Singapore and Abu Dhabi instead of retreating home to focus solely on fitness. This decision shows her determination to improve, but it also highlights her need for a stable, long-term coaching solution.
As former tennis star Tim Henman put it, “If she can stay healthy and competes a lot, the results will come because she’s that good.” Henman, who has watched Raducanu closely, believes her skill level is unquestionable. “If she wasn’t good enough, you’d say she has to pick her tournaments and play some weaker events. With Emma, if she stays healthy, I’m convinced the results will follow.” Henman further noted that Raducanu’s low match count last year, especially with only 22 matches played outside of grass-court events, is a concern for her physical readiness.
Raducanu’s decision to stay on tour and compete, even when she could have opted for rest, shows that she is fully aware of what is required to get back to her best. Playing in events like Singapore and Abu Dhabi is part of the process—Raducanu must continue to challenge herself if she is to make the breakthrough she seeks.
At this point, Raducanu must focus on strengthening her weaknesses, and the most pressing issue is her serve. To truly compete at the top level, a consistent and powerful serve is essential. Turning to a coach with experience in this area, such as Ivanisevic, could be the key to unlocking her potential. It’s clear that with the right guidance, Raducanu can take her game to the next level, but it’s up to her to find that coach and put in the work needed to elevate her career.