INDIAN WELLS – Following her win at the US Open, tennis coach, Michael Joyce, was shocked to see Emma Raducanu split with her coach, Andrew Richardson.
The former ATP professional was stunned that after the British athlete won ten matches to become the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, the teen star would then choose to split with her trainer because she wanted a more experienced coach.
“I’d love to have someone with great experience, right now, by my side, so if any experienced coaches are out there looking, you know where to find me,” Emma said after losing to Aliaksandra Sasnovich at Indian Wells, given that she competed in the annual tennis tournament without a coach.
Having led tennis ace, Maria Sharapova, to three Grand Slam titles and a world number one ranking, Michael knows only too well how it feels to work with a superstar on the rise.
“I was really surprised with the wording of the statement that was released when Emma announced she was splitting with Andrew Richardson, saying she felt she needed someone with Tour-level experience,” Michael said, per Give Me Sport.
“I didn’t like the statement. If you have a good coach and it works well, then you’d think you would want to stick with them. Why would you want a big-name coach?
“She’s a great player but it’s going to be a tough job for the next coach, as expectations are high.
“If she goes to the Australian Open next year, and goes out early, people will say it’s because of the coach.
“I’d known Maria for quite a long time before coaching her, as I was her hitting partner.
“We got to know each other, we were on a journey.
“(I believe) it’s a tough one for whoever comes in, and works with Emma, as they won’t have that relationship, and they will be under a lot of scrutiny”. – Agencies, October 17, 2021
