Emma Raducanu, at just 21, is facing a series of setbacks that have stalled her promising tennis career since her stunning US Open win in 2021.
After withdrawing from her quarter-final match at the Korea Open due to a ligament sprain, Raducanu’s season is in jeopardy, having only played 13 events. Many are questioning her approach to training and match readiness, with strength and conditioning coach Kieron Vorster being particularly vocal.
Vorster, who has trained notable players like Tim Henman and Dan Evans, believes Raducanu is not playing enough matches to build the stamina and resilience needed for the WTA Tour’s grueling demands. He claims that despite her strong work ethic in practice, nothing can substitute actual match play for gaining the necessary experience and physical robustness.
Adding to her challenges, Raducanu has had long gaps in her schedule this year, including missing key tournaments like the French Open, which Vorster finds baffling for a player of her age and talent. He suggests she is possibly surrounded by too many “yes” people, which could hinder her ability to hear hard truths about her need to play more consistently.
Vorster advises Raducanu to emulate Andy Murray’s rigorous training routine, particularly his off-season preparation, which involved brutal sessions in extreme conditions to harden his body for the year ahead. He suggests that Raducanu might benefit from a similar six-week intensive training camp, away from distractions, to fully prepare herself for future seasons.
Despite these setbacks, Raducanu has shown glimpses of her immense talent this year, but Vorster insists that regular match play and a more disciplined approach to her schedule are critical if she hopes to regain the form that made her a Grand Slam champion.
