Emma Raducanu and coach Vladimir Platenik have parted ways following just 14 days of collaboration and one match. This decision was confirmed by her management team on Wednesday.
A Short Trial Before the BNP Paribas Open
Platenik began working with Raducanu on a trial basis just before the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Unfortunately, Raducanu suffered a first-round loss to Moyuka Uchijima. This defeat came after a previous disruption in Dubai, when a stalker interrupted one of her matches.
Miami Open Success Without Platenik
Despite the brief coaching trial, Raducanu played without Platenik in her box during the Miami Open. She dominated her first match against Sayaka Ishii with a 6-2, 6-1 win. Afterward, a representative from her management team, IMG, confirmed the separation.
Raducanu Reflects on the Split
According to her team, Raducanu holds the utmost respect for Platenik and the work they started together. However, she felt that the partnership wasn’t progressing in the right direction. Raducanu remains focused on her performance in Miami and is actively seeking the right coach to help her achieve her goals.
A Continuing Search for the Right Coach
With this move, Raducanu will continue her search for her eighth coach in less than four years. This follows the departure of her previous coach, Nick Cavaday, after the Australian Open due to health reasons.
Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
Platenik was initially expected to work with Raducanu until at least the French Open. However, his absence didn’t appear to affect Raducanu’s game in Miami, where she now prepares for a challenging match against world No. 10 Emma Navarro.
Raducanu expressed confidence going into the match: “It’s going to be an extremely challenging match. She’s probably in better form, so I can go out and express myself and try and compete for every point.”
