Emma Raducanu: Self-described ‘black cat’ hoping new training partnership can unlock Australian Open success | Tennis News happymamay

Emma Raducano found hard-working fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura the perfect fit for her travel team, but she admits she’s a “black cat” who still likes her own space.

The former US Open champion deliberately kept a small entourage around her, but late last year she added Nakamura to a central unit that also includes coach Nick Cavady.

Nakamura is highly regarded in the tennis world and has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, who described him this week as a “really nice person” who loves taking selfies and sushi.

He and Raducano have already spent long hours together, with the 22-year-old keen to avoid missing matches due to the injury that has affected her career so far and realize her sporting potential.

“It’s important for everyone to get along well,” said Raducano, who begins her Australian Open campaign on Tuesday against 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

“You spend a lot of time with the people you work with, and it is of course important to have a good relationship and keep it going.

“I think what Yutaka and I are similar to is that we’re very committed, and even with our long days, we always stay motivated, motivate each other and feed off the energy, which is a great thing to have because not many people are so committed that it’s 8 a.m. to 8 a.m. Night by night, over and over again, she still shows up with the same attitude and mentality.

“He’s been a really good, steady person for me, and someone I can really count on.”

Relationships with team members on and off the field are often crucial to a player’s success, and Raducanu is keen to find the right balance.

“I’m a person who likes my own space, too,” she said. “I’m like a black cat, that’s how some people describe me.

“During the day when you’re on set or training, you’re literally with them all the time. But I think it’s important that I go for a walk by myself in the morning, or go get a coffee by myself, or go for a walk in the evening. I seem to walk a lot.”

Robson: Nakamura is a good choice

Former British number one Laura Robson believes Raducano has made a smart choice, saying: “Yutaka is a great guy, I like him very much.

“I know him from being with Maria, of course, but even then he was based at IMG where I trained in Florida and I used to see him working with all the other players.

“He’s got a lot of experience. He’s an easy-going character on the road as well, which is an underappreciated trait. From what I’ve seen, they’ve been progressing great. I think he will be.” Great addition.

“It’s something she’s wanted to do for a long time, but you look for the right person, you look for someone who meshes well with the team, and that seems to be the case here. I think they’ll continue.” “For a while.”

Raducano: It’s hard for me to give everything for friendship

Raducano seemed like a lonely figure while trying to settle into tournament life after her US Open win, but three years later, she seems happier and more relaxed.

Raducano clearly enjoyed being part of the British Billie Jean King Cup team last year and made friends with other players, but she admits there were some obstacles.

“I have a few friends on the tour who are very nice and love spending time with them on a day off or an afternoon or having a meal together,” she said.

“But it’s also very difficult to become so close to them when you’re competing with them. I’m someone who gives everything with my friends, so it’s hard for me to give everything to a friendship and then have to play with them.” The court.

“I think there will always be a little bit of a drag, but I have a very good relationship with most of the girls.”

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