Emma Raducanu is seeking a new coach.
The US Open champion has parted company with Andrew Richardson, who coached her throughout the recent North American summer hard-court season. Richardson was in Raducanu's box when she swept Leylah Fernandez in the US Open final becoming the first qualifier—male or female—to capture a Grand Slam singles championship.
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The 18-year-old Raducanu headlined the LTA's "Homecoming" event at the National Tennis Centre today and said she's seeing a coach who has "WTA experience at the high level."
"At this stage of my career I really need someone that has had that WTA Tour experience at that high level," Raducanu told the media.
"Especially right now as I'm so new to it, I think I really need someone just to guide me who has already been through that themselves. "Never did I even dream of winning the US Open and now I'm ranked 22 in the world, which is pretty crazy to me."
Raducanu was one of four Britons to capture US Open championships and she joined fellow US Open champions Joe Salisbury, Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett participating in the LTA's special Homecoming event.
A highlight of the day featured Raducanu partnering avid tennis fan Kate Middleton in doubles. It was an experience that left the teenager "really nervous" as Raducanu said she kept telling herself "don't miss."
Raducanu previously worked with both Richardson and veteran British coach Nigel Sears. She split with Sears following her run to the Wimbledon fourth round and resumed working with Richardson for the American summer season.
Arriving in New York ranked No. 150, Raducanu has rocketed up the rankings to No. 22 after her inspired run that saw her become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win the US Open without surrendering a set.
While there is speculation Raducanu may be interested in partnering with coach Darren Cahill, whose six-year partnership with Simona Halep ended this week, Raducanu said she has no particular coach in mind and may work with coaching candidates on a trial basis before committing to a coach.
Indian Wells starts next month and Raducanu said she will make a decision on playing the BNP Paribas Open over this weekend.
"I got back on court a few days ago, and yesterday I did a full training day," Raducanu said. "I was feeling pretty good about myself and my game, and I am very excited to compete again.
"All the opportunities I am getting have been very fun, but where I really want to be is on the tennis court, as I'm just thriving out there. I haven't decided on my schedule yet. I will decide in the next few days where I am going to go to, but wherever I play next, I'm going to make sure I'm ready. I don't want to jump into things too early."
Photo credit: LTA Facebook