British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu is unwinding during a sun-soaked American vacation before linking up with her latest trainer, marking the eighth coach of her brief professional journey.
The 22-year-old former US Open winner has stepped away from the tennis circuit following her Wimbledon exit to savor a scorching retreat at Martha’s Vineyard. The Massachusetts retreat lies in the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod and takes its name from the affluent mother-in-law of English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold, who bankrolled his voyage there in 1602 – the inaugural European expedition.
However, the photographs showed no trace of 22-year-old Spanish tennis phenomenon Carlos Alcaraz, who is reportedly maintaining a close friendship with Raducanu as they prepare to compete in doubles at the US Open. It comes after she’s been dealt an early setback for the Grand Slam.
EXPRESS US
Raducanu shared vacation photographs from her excursion on Instagram with the message: “Ted’s on the vineyard – heard it here first. Spontaneous 36h New England summer fun time w friends in MA.”
Currently ranked No. 33, the British player competed in her final match on August 1st when she crumbled against world No. 7 Amanda Anisimova 6-2 6-1 in the 3rd round in Montreal.
She has now enlisted Rafael Nadal’s former mentor Francisco Roig, 57, as her eighth coach. The Spaniard occupied the coaching box for all 22 of Nadal’s Grand Slam victories.
DON’T MISS
Raducanu has worked alongside longtime friend Mark Petchey since Miami and performances have shown promise, but he needed to divide his attention between coaching duties and his broadcasting obligations.
Petchey himself stated in July: “We are very aware she needs a second coach to come on board and maybe just one coach, not me, as well.”
It seems that the latter option has been selected, though it’s understood that Petchey will continue to be a part of team Raducanu in an unofficial capacity.
The US Open is set to kick off at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Aug. 25.
Singles matches will continue until Sept. 7, with the men’s final slated for that day. Raducanu’s eagerly awaited partnership with Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to unfold between Aug. 19 and 20.