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Emma Radukanu is determined to return to an aggressive, first-strike style on grass under returning coach Andrew Richardson.
The British No. 1 will be looking to return to his best form during the grass-court season Another tough loss that gave a glimpse of how heavy the last few years have weighed on him.
The 23-year-old was disappointed but philosophical A close 6-0 7-6 (7-4) loss against Solana Sierra In the first round of the French Open when he was asked about the trajectory of his career since the stars aligned in New York five years ago.
Resilience was the word for Radukanu as he struggled to control his emotions, and he will need to show more as he struggles to find form again on the grass.
It has once again been a stop-start season for the former US Open champion, who began the year battling a foot injury and then picked up a virus in early February that turned into post-viral illness.
He spent two-and-a-half months away from the tour and the rust was clear as he struggled against Argentina’s Sierra.
Radukanu is firm in his decision
Raducanu lost to Solana Sierra at Roland Garros
Radukanu wanted to test himself on clay instead of preparing for grass straight away and it was a decision he stood by despite the result.
“I’ve been training well but it’s been five, six weeks after two months off,” he said. “It’s going to be a big ask. I really wanted to play the French (Open) so it was my decision.
“I stand by it because I have experienced a Grand Slam. I never want to miss it. I competed with everything I had in the second set.”
The fact that Radukanu is still battling a lingering cough nearly four months after first falling ill is clearly a concern, and he must have wanted to go into his most high-profile stretch of the season with confidence levels high.
She has the ranking points to reach the quarter-finals of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club last year and the third round at Wimbledon, where she upset world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
This is followed by Queens, Berlin and Eastbourne
British No. 1 Radukanu will now prepare for the grass season where he has points to defend
Optimism surrounding his trajectory has since dissipated significantly in the intervening months and the prospect of a seeding at the All England Club is slim, meaning Radukanu will be at the mercy of the draw.
The good news is that while grass suits his game much better than clay, Radukanu’s ability to take the ball quickly, especially on the return, reaps more rewards from the fast, low-bouncing surface and compensates for his lack of power.
She parted ways with coach Francisco Roig after the Australian Open when she made it clear that she disagreed with the direction he was trying to take her game.
Radukanu wants to return to the aggressive, first-strike style that brought him so much success earlier in his career, and seems to have the perfect man in his corner after rehiring his US Open-winning coach Andrew Richardson.
His next tournament is scheduled to begin at Queen’s on June 8, while he is also entered in events in Berlin and Eastbourne over the next two weeks but may not play either.
“I’m definitely looking forward to being back on home soil,” Radukanu said. “Queen’s is always an amazing tournament, so I’m looking forward to getting started there. Later, I don’t know, it depends how it goes.”
Henman: If the results don’t come immediately, he has to be patient
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Both Tim Henman and Laura Robson believe Radukanu reuniting with Andrew Richardson is a good move.
Tim Henman believes everyone needs to be “patient” with Radukanu and the Briton has played very little tennis, but he believes Richardson is the right man to guide the 23-year-old.
The former British No.1 said: “With the coaching situation, I’m happy he’s got Andrew back and I hope that continues.
“I expect it to last a lot longer than other coaches – and the proof will be in the pudding.
“He needs some consistent training, playing matches, some consistency.
“When it’s stop-start, whether it’s because of injury or illness, when you’re making cuts and changing coaches, it’s hard to build that consistency and consistency.
“He’s known Emma for a long time … since she was very young. She’s very young, she’s very quiet, she has a good sense of the game.”
Richardson is back coaching Radukanu nearly five years after guiding him to the US Open title in New York.
Henman continued: “He’s working at an academy in Spain and he’s someone Emma trusts. Those are good foundations.
“I hope Emma is patient with herself and we have to be patient. Coming to grass, it’s a surface where she’s much more comfortable.
“So we’re aware that the spotlight is going to be pretty intense. If the results don’t come right away, he has to be patient.”
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