Raducanu reunited full-time with coach from US Open win
Raducanu initially linked up with Richardson earlier this month at the Ferrer Tennis Academy in Spain, where he has been the tennis director for several years, for a short training session in preparation for her clay-court season. "[I'm] grateful to have reconnected with someone who has known me for over a decade now and looking forward to building together one iteration at a time," British number one Raducanu said. With Richardson in the coaching box, Raducanu made history by winning the US Open without dropping a set as an 18-year-old qualifier in 2021.
The 23-year-old is set to make her return to action in Strasbourg, 10 weeks after losing to American Amanda Anisimova in the Indian Wells third round on 8 March. She has been granted a wildcard for the tournament as she seeks match practice before the French Open, the second Grand Slam event of the year, which begins on 24 May. Following her absence from the tour, caused by a post-viral infection, Raducanu is set to miss out on a top-32 seeded position at Roland Garros after slipping to 37 in the world rankings.
Raducanu parted ways with Richardson after her US Open win, and has been without a permanent coach since parting ways with Francisco Roig after her second-round exit from the Australian Open in January. In the five years since Raducanu stunned the world by winning the US Open, a question has often been posed by those seeking answers about her progress - or lack of it. Why did she not continue with the guy who guided her to that unfathomable victory?
At the time, the split was often portrayed as a natural parting of the ways at the end of Richardson's contract - as he wanted to focus on his job at the Ferrer Academy. Richardson later disputed that narrative, , external indicating he would have been happy to carry on. It was also suggested Raducanu wanted a coach with greater experience of the WTA Tour.
Wherever the truth lies, enough water has passed under the bridge for the pair to attempt to revive their spectacular winning formula. Raducanu played with an aggressive fearlessness during that unforgettable run at Flushing Meadows, taking returns early and hustling her opponents as she did not drop a set. She has rarely played with the same intent, belief and freedom since.