Emma Raducanu has found a perfect fit for her travelling team in hard-working physical trainer Yutaka Nakamura, but she admits she values her own space and independence.
The former US Open champion has deliberately maintained a small entourage, but recently added Nakamura to her core team, alongside coach Nick Cavaday.
Nakamura, who has previously worked with tennis stars Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, is highly respected in the tennis world. Osaka described him as a “really kind person” with a passion for selfies and sushi.
Raducanu and Nakamura have spent extensive time together, with the 22-year-old intent on avoiding career-halting injuries and reaching her athletic potential.
“It is important that everyone meshes well together,” Raducanu expressed as she prepares to kick off her Australian Open journey against 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Tuesday.
“You spend so much time with the people you work with that of course it’s important to have a good rapport and get along,” she added.
“I think where Yutaka and I are very similar is in our dedication, staying motivated even during long days, constantly pushing each other’s energy, which is invaluable because not many people can maintain such commitment consistently from morning till night. It’s been really beneficial to have him as a reliable and constant presence in my team.”
Player’s success often depends on their on and off-court relationships with team members, and Raducanu is aware of the importance of finding the right balance.
“I value my own space as well,” she shared. “I’m a bit of a lone wolf, as some might say.”
“During the day when we’re on-site or training, we’re together all the time. But I think it’s crucial that in the morning, I take a solitary walk, grab coffee alone, or have an evening stroll. I find myself walking quite a lot.”
Robson: Nakamura a valuable addition
Physical trainer Yutaka Nakamura (front centre) has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka
Former British No 1 Laura Robson believes Raducanu made a wise choice in adding Nakamura to her team, stating: “Yutaka’s a fantastic person, I have a lot of respect for him.
“I’ve known him from his time with Maria, and later when he was at IMG where I trained in Florida. I’ve seen him working with various players there.
“He brings a wealth of experience and has a very easy-going personality, which is a valuable trait when traveling. From what I’ve observed, they have a great relationship. I believe he will be a fantastic addition.
“It’s something Emma had been considering for a while, finding the right fit, someone who blends well with the team, and it seems like they have found that in Nakamura. I think they will continue to work well together for a long time.”
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Raducanu: Challenges of forming deep friendships
Raducanu has forged friendships with other players, but she admits some barriers remain
Upon her US Open victory, Raducanu faced challenges as she adjusted to tour life, but three years later, she appears more content and at ease.
While she has developed friendships with other players and enjoyed being part of Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team, barriers still exist.
“I have a few tour friends who are lovely and great to spend time with when we have time off, but it’s difficult to form deep connections when you also compete against them. I give my all in friendships, so it’s challenging for me to then compete against them on the court,” she explained.
“There will always be a slight barrier, but I have a good relationship with most of the other players.”
Coming Up on Sky Sports Tennis
- ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam (ATP 500) – 3-9 February
- Dallas Open (ATP 500) – 3-9 February
- Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – 10-16 February
- IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – 10-16 February
- Open 13 Provence (ATP 250) – 10-16 February
- Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – 3-9 February
- Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – 3-8 February
- Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – 9-15 February
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) – 16-22 February
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