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US Open champion and teenage tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has decided to part ways with coach Andrew Richardson.
Richardson previously coached the 18-year-old at the Bromley Tennis Center and was chosen to accompany Raducanu on his summer tournaments in the United States.
But she is looking for an experienced mentor to help her take the next steps on her tour.
Speaking after a homecoming event hosted by the Lawn Tennis Association at the National Tennis Center in South London, she said: “Where I was after Wimbledon I was ranked around 200 in the world and at the time i thought Andrew would be a great trainer on trial so we went to the states but i never dreamed of winning the us open and having the race i did , and now I’m ranked 22nd in the world, which is pretty crazy for me.
“I feel like at this point in my career, and playing the best players in the world, I realized I really needed someone right now who has had that WTA Tour experience at high levels which means I am looking for someone who has been at this level and knows what it takes.
“And, especially right now because I’m so new to it, I really need someone to guide me who’s been through this before.”
She added that she had no one in mind yet and that she doesn’t expect to make a decision until the end of the season.
Raducanu enjoyed a game of tennis that was a little less under pressure as she faced the Duchess of Cambridge in the celebration of her homecoming.
The 18-year-old looked happy and relaxed as she took part in the session with the royal, and the couple also teamed up to practice doubles.
They were joined on the court by Joe Salisbury, the US Open mixed doubles and men’s doubles champion, and wheelchair players Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid – who successfully defended their doubles title at the US Open.
Kate praised RaducanuS “seriously impressive” achievement in winning the women’s US Open title in New York City earlier this month, ending the country’s 44-year wait for a women’s Grand Slam champion.
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Emma Raducanu wants to help children play sports
The duchess was dressed in her tennis gear – sneakers, skirt and sports top – as she chatted with players and showed off her own racket skills.
Before stepping onto the pitch, Kate told the champions: “Amazing guys, honestly kudos to all of you – it’s really impressive.”
The Duchess of Cambridge met Raducanu, Joe Salisbury (back row left), Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett (front row left) at the event
Kate is the godmother of the LTA and Raducanu is a youth ambassador.
Kate seemed happy with her performance against the Champions
Sky’s Tom Parmenter, who was at the tennis center, asked Raducanu if she knew the Duchess had such a good forehand.
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Emma Raducanu, 11, on her Grand Slam dreams
“Before I didn’t, but once we got out the Duchess was hitting the ball extremely well and after we warmed up she got right to the point.”
When asked about her plans for other competitions, the teenager said the improvement in her ranking meant new opportunities opened up for her.
Raducanu celebrates with the Championship trophy after his match against Fernandez
“I think I’m still in the early stages of my physical development, so I don’t think I can play week after week like other players could, so I’m going to work on my physical development.
“But yes, these are exciting times where I can compete with the best on a regular basis now.”
She said she still feels like the same person, but has had to make a few “adjustments” since winning.
Emma Raducanu at the 2021 Met Gala. Photo: AP
Raducanu defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 11, winning a prize of $ 2.5million (£ 1.8million).
She has appeared on a number of US talk shows and even attended the Met Gala before heading home to celebrate with friends and family.
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