Emma Raducanu has found solace in classic literature and solo activities as she navigates the “lonely” life on the professional tennis tour.
The 22-year-old British player has been reading Jane Austen’s “Emma” ahead of her first-round match against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova at the Abu Dhabi Open.
“I’m reading Emma but reading it for pleasure,” Raducanu said. “It’s not the easiest to read sometimes, but I think it’s a great story. And of course, with the name, I just had to go for it.”
The former US Open champion has embraced solitude through “solo walks and solo coffee dates” during her time on tour.
Emma Raducanu has found solace in classic literature and solo activities as she navigates the “lonely” life on the professional tennis tour
GETTY
This marks her second tournament since parting ways with coach Nick Cavaday, who stepped back to focus on health concerns in the UK.
Raducanu has travelled to the Middle East accompanied by new fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura while taking her time to select Cavaday’s permanent replacement.
For the Abu Dhabi Open, she has temporarily reunited with Roman Kelecic, a coach based in the UAE.
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The arrangement came about through a chance reconnection. “He travelled with me when I was like 14, 15, in the junior ITFs,” Raducanu explained. “We went to all the glamorous places together when we were younger in the juniors.”
Raducanu reflected on her recent period away from the sport, during which she made some challenging personal decisions.
“I just had a lot of time to think and reflect in that period,” she said. “I think I just had to make some really difficult decisions.”
The British player has found value in spending time alone on the tour circuit.
“This year, I’ve gone on loads of solo walks, solo coffee dates and just have a lot of time to kind of look inside and look internally,” she shared.
“I’ve been enjoying it so far, even though it’s not necessarily the easiest thing to do, especially when the tour is quite a lonely place.”
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Kelecic’s involvement came after a period of no contact between the pair.
“We haven’t honestly seen each other in so many years,” Raducanu said.
“He’s based out of Dubai, and I think in this situation, I wanted to see him anyway, to catch up.”
Emma Raducanu remains on the search for a new coach following her recent split from Nick Cavaday before the Abu Dhabi Open
PA
Speaking about Cavaday’s departure, Raducanu expressed understanding and support for her former coach.
“Nick is a great person. He’s someone I’ve known since I was a young girl, and he coached me before, so I think we were working really well together,” she said.
“Unfortunately, he had to prioritise his health, which I completely understand, and I support him, and I just wish him the speediest of recoveries.”