Bringing back coach Andrew Richardson is already paying off for Emma Raducano, former England No.1 Tim Henman believes.
Raducanu was denied his first title since winning the 2021 US Open. After losing 6-0 7-6 (8-6) to Croatia’s Dona Vekic in the Queen’s Club final on Sunday..
The British No. 1, who advanced through two matches on Saturday to Sunday’s showdown, did not drop a set in Queen’s until the first leg of the final.
Raducanu reunited with Richardson, the coach who guided her to that famous US Open qualifying win in May, and Henman felt it was a step in the right direction for her.
“I think it was a very positive week for Emma as she was able to compete again and win matches, playing the controlled and aggressive tennis we have seen in the past,” he said. sky sports.
“It was very clear that she felt very good on the court. Her body language looked very positive.
“There is so much upside this week. There is only one week left. She has to continue to improve and she can do so at the fingertips.
“I think it’s great to have Andrew Richardson back in her corner. He’s obviously known her for a long time, long before her US Open success.
“You can hear his opinions from the side of the court. He was a good player in his own right, a very good coach and Emma will stick to that.
“I think consistency and continuity is something that has been missing for many years. This is their first real opportunity to develop their relationship, so I hope Andrew gets the opportunity to continue to develop. This has been a really positive week for them both.”
Consistency is key at Raducanu
Raducanu’s highly encouraging candidacy, after years of what often seemed like overwhelming expectations, was not, she insisted, a return to her former self, but the incarnation of a “new Emma”.
The 23-year-old finished runner-up to Sorana Kirstea in her second final in Cluj-Napoca in February, but missed two-and-a-half months of the season with a viral illness and has only one win since March.
“I think we played really well this week,” said Radukanu, who was suspended from action at Nottingham this week. “I think I’m playing pretty freely and aggressively, but I’ve been finding the right balance, coming back and serving pretty well, which is important on grass.
“My team has helped me get through some really difficult situations over the past few months, and it honestly means a lot to me to have them believe in me unconditionally. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
She added: “I haven’t played much this season, but to think I’ve made it to two finals, which I haven’t done for a few years now, it’s something to celebrate in some ways, it’s a good achievement for me and I’m proud.”
Reflecting on Raducanu’s outstanding run to the final, Vekic said: “She played really good tennis, otherwise she definitely wouldn’t have made the final. I think staying fit is the most important thing for her.
“I think everyone’s schedule is so hard. The level of tennis is so high and it’s so physically demanding. I think that’s the biggest thing.
“She loves playing in front of her home crowd.”
Optimism and Hope
Sky Sports Raz Mirza on Raducanu’s Queen’s run
Raducanu played five games on turf and was unscathed, playing aggressively and dictating the game, which is the main reason she reunited with Coach Richardson.
She’s back to her roots, but consistency of play and competition from top players who could suffocate her game style are the issues.
Her wins over Cirstea and Iva Jovic were impressive, but Vekic showed experience, class and composure and cut through the noise to win a quality encounter.
Now it’s time to head to Eastbourne and Wimbledon after a well-deserved week’s holiday and with real optimism and hope.
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