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Former British No.1 Tim Henman believes the return of coach Andrew Richardson is already paying off for Emma Radukanu.
Radukanu was denied a first title after his 2021 US Open win After a 6-0, 7-6 (8-6) loss to Croatia’s Donna Vecic in the Queen’s Club final on Sunday.
The British No. 1, who powered through two matches on Saturday to reach Sunday’s showdown, didn’t drop a set at Queen’s until the first in the final.
Radukanu was reunited with Richardson in May, who guided him to a famous US Open victory in qualifying, and Henman thinks it’s a step in the right direction for him.
“I think it was a positive week for Emma to compete and win matches, playing that controlled, aggressive tennis that we’ve seen in the past,” he said. Sky Sports.
“It was pretty clear that he was in great spirits on the court; his body language seemed very positive.
“There’s been a lot of upside from this week. It’s just one week; he’s got to make it, and fingers crossed he can.
“I think it’s great to have Andrew Richardson back in his corner. Obviously, he’s known him for many, many years, long before their success at the US Open.
“You could hear his input from the court side, he was a good player himself, a very good coach and fingers crossed Emma will stick with it.
“I think consistency and continuity is something that’s been missing for a number of years and I really hope Andrew gets a chance to continue building because this is the first real opportunity to really develop the relationship. It’s been a really positive week for both of them.”
Consistency is key for Radukanu
This highly encouraging run for Radukanu, after years that often seemed like crushing expectations, was, he insisted, not a return to his former self, but a “new Emer” incarnation.
The 23-year-old finished runner-up to Sorana Cirstea in Cluj-Napoca, his second final in February, but missed two-and-a-half months of the season with a post-viral illness and has just one win under his belt since March.
“I think I played really well this week,” Radukanu said. who withdrew from the game at Nottingham this week. “I think I’m playing quite freely, quite aggressively, but finding the right balance, returning, serving quite well. That’s important on grass.
“My team has helped me through some really sticky situations over the last few months, and their unconditional trust really means the world to me. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
He added: “I haven’t really played much this season, but to think I’ve made two finals so far, which I haven’t done for a couple of years, it’s something to celebrate in a way and it’s a good achievement for me and I’m proud of it.”
Vecic reflected on Radukanu’s great run to the final, saying: “He’s been playing really good tennis. Obviously he wouldn’t have been in the final without him. I think staying healthy is the most important thing for him.
“I think the schedule is very difficult for everybody. The level of tennis is so high. It’s so physically demanding. I think that’s the biggest thing.
“He loves playing in front of the home crowd.”
Optimism and hope
Rani Rune Sky Sports Raj Mirza of Radukanu
Radukanu played five matches on grass and played aggressively and dictating matches, mainly because he was reunited with coach Richardson.
He’s back to his roots, but playing consistency and competing against top players who can stifle his style of play is a problem.
Her wins over Cirstea and Iva Jovic were impressive, but Vekic showed experience, class and composure, holding off the noise to win a quality encounter.
Now it’s time to reset with a well-earned week off and head to Eastbourne and then Wimbledon with real optimism and hope.
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