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Emma Raducanu finds hard-working strength and conditioning coach Yutaka Nakamura a perfect fit for her travel team, but admits she’s a “black cat” who still loves her space.
The former U.S. Open champion deliberately kept a small entourage around him, but late last year Nakamura joined a core group that also included coach Nick Cavaday.
Nakamura is highly regarded in tennis circles and has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, who this week described Nakamura as a “very kind person” who loved selfies and sushi.
He and Raducanu have spent a lot of time together, with the 22-year-old eager to avoid the injuries that have hampered her career so far and fulfill her athletic potential.
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Raducanu revealed she refused to use disinfectant spray when she was bitten because she feared contamination with a banned substance
“It’s important that everyone plays well together,” said Raducanu, who starts the Australian Open on Tuesday against No. 26 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.
“You spend a lot of time with colleagues, so maintaining a good rapport is certainly important.
“I think the thing that Yutaka and I are very similar about is that we are both very focused and we always stay motivated even during the long days and we motivate each other and feed off the energy, which is great because not many people can do that. A little bit. So dedicated that from 8am to 8pm, over and over again, you still show up with the same attitude and mentality.
“That’s been really good to me and a very solid guy.”
Relationships with team members on and off the field are often crucial to a player’s success, and Raducanu pays great attention to finding the right balance.
“I’m also someone who loves my own space,” she said. “I’m a black cat, that’s how some people describe me.
“During the day, when you’re on the field or training, you’re actually with them all the time. But I think it’s important that I go for a walk by myself in the morning, go get a coffee by myself, or go for a walk in the evening, I seem to walk a lot road.”
Robson: Nakamura is a good choice
Strength and conditioning coach Yutaka Nakamura (front, center) has worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka
Former British number one Laura Robson believes Raducanu has made a wise choice, saying: “Fon is a great guy and I like him very much.
“Obviously, I knew him through being with Maria, but even after that, he was working at IMG where I trained in Florida and I would see him working with all the other players.
“He’s got a lot of experience. He’s also got a very hit-and-run personality, which is an underrated trait. From what I’ve seen, they get along really well. I think he’ll be a great addition.
“It’s something she’s wanted to do for years, but you’re looking for the right people, you’re looking for people who will gel with the team and that seems to be the case here. I think they’re going to continue that for quite some time. “
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Laura Robson and Tim Henman discuss the impact Raducanu’s new fitness coach will have and how to improve her body’s recovery
Raducanu: It’s hard for me to give everything for friendship
Raducanu has developed friendships with other players, but admits there are still some obstacles
After winning the U.S. Open, Raducanu tried to adjust to tour life, but three years later she appears happier and more relaxed.
Raducanu clearly enjoyed being part of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team last year and developing friendships with the other players, but admits there are still some hurdles.
“I have a few friends on tour who are really nice and it’s nice to spend time with them on my days off or in the afternoons, or have a meal together,” she said.
“But it’s also hard to become very close with them when you’re competing against them. I’m a person who gives everything when I’m with friends, so it’s hard for me to give everything for a friendship and then have to be with them Game Court.
“I think there’s always going to be a slight barrier in a sense, but I have a great relationship with most of the girls.”
What’s coming to Sky Sports Tennis?
- ABN AMRO Rotterdam Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- The 13th Provence Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
- Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – February 3-8
- Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – February 9-15
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship (WTA 1000) – February 16-22
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