Emma Raducanu has dubbed herself a ‘black cat’ as she prepares to take on Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old will be hoping to win a first Grand Slam sinc3 2021 when she takes to the court this coming week.
Raducanu has struggled with injuries in recent years but, when fully fit, represents one of the most-dangerous players on the tour.
Speaking ahead of her first round match, the Briton hailed the impact of fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura – who previously worked with Maria Sharapova.
Emma Raducanu has dubbed herself a ‘black cat’ as she prepares to take on Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Australian Open on Tuesday
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Raducanu has brought Nakamura on board in order to put an end to her fitness woes.
She said: “It is important that everyone meshes well together.
“You spend so much time with the people you work with that of course it’s important to have a good rapport and get on.
“I think where me and Yutaka are very similar is we’re very dedicated and, even with our long days, we always stay motivated, we motivate each other and feed off of the energy, which is great to have because not many people are so committed that from 8am in the morning to 8pm at night, over and over, you’re still showing up with the same attitude and mentality.
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“That has been really good for me and a constant, and someone who’s been really reliable.”
Raducanu then described herself as a ‘black cat’.
She continued: “I’m someone who loves my own space as well.
“I’m a bit of black cat, that’s how some people would describe me.
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“During the day when you’re on site or training, you’re literally with them the whole time.
“But I think it’s important that in the morning I’ll take a walk by myself, go get a coffee on my own, or go for a walk in the evening. I seem to be walking a lot.”
Raducanu isn’t the only person impressed with Nakamura’s work.
Laura Robson, speaking to Sky Sports, endorsed his apppintment after getting to know the coach when he was working with Sharapova.
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Emma Raducanu has been plagued by injuries ever since winning the US Open in 2021PA
“Yutaka’s a great guy, I like him a lot,” she said.
“I know him from being with Maria, obviously, but even after that he was based at IMG where I trained out in Florida and I’d see him working with all the other players.
“He’s just got a huge amount of experience. He’s a really easy personality to have on the road as well, which is an underrated trait.
“From what I’ve seen, they’ve been getting on great. I think he’ll be a great addition.
Emma Raducanu is feeling good as she prepares to grace the court at the Australian Open
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“It’s something that she wanted to do for ages but you’re looking for the right person, you’re looking for someone who gels really well with the team, and it seems like that’s the case here.
“I think they’ll carry on for quite some time.”