Emma Raducanu Begins Trial with Coach Vladimir Platenik at Indian Wells

Raducanu Teams Up with Renowned Coach for Indian Wells

British tennis star Emma Raducanu is set to begin a trial period with esteemed Slovakian coach Vladimir Platenik as she competes in her opening match at Indian Wells on Thursday. This partnership marks a significant step in her search for a long-term coach, as she aims to regain her form and confidence on the WTA Tour.

Platenik’s Coaching Credentials and Past Success

Vladimir Platenik, 49, has an impressive coaching resume. He previously guided Lulu Sun, the New Zealand qualifier who defeated Raducanu in the fourth round of Wimbledon last July. Platenik has also worked with top-tier players, including Dominika Cibulkova, whom he coached to the French Open semi-finals in 2009, and Russian stars Daria Kasatkina and Veronika Kudermetova.

Temporary Coaching Support from Tom Welsh

Before this trial, Raducanu enlisted the help of Loughborough Academy coach Tom Welsh for Indian Wells, though this was only a short-term arrangement. With no permanent coach since Nick Cavaday stepped down due to health reasons after the Australian Open in January, Raducanu has been exploring various coaching options to establish a solid support system.

Raducanu’s Approach to Finding the Right Coach

As she prepares to face Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in her first-round match at Indian Wells, Raducanu remains cautious in selecting a permanent coach.

“I don’t want to rush into anything, but I’m actively searching and setting up trials,” Raducanu shared with BBC Sport before the tournament. “Having a structured plan in place will make me feel more secure. In the Middle East, I struggled without clear direction on which tournaments to enter and without proper guidance. Doing everything alone was challenging.”

A strong advocate for preparation and planning, Raducanu believes a structured training approach is essential for her success.

Challenges Since Cavaday’s Departure

Since Cavaday’s exit, Raducanu has only won one match. In addition to her coaching instability, she has also faced personal challenges, including dealing with a stalker who followed her to four tournaments before the Dubai Police issued a restraining order.

Raducanu’s Coaching History and Expectations

The 2021 US Open champion has worked with several coaches, including Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson (who guided her during her historic Grand Slam win), Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Sebastian Sachs. Despite frequently changing coaches, Raducanu remains determined to find the right fit.

While the coaching position has not been formally advertised, Raducanu sees what she seeks in a mentor. “Work ethic and genuine passion for the sport are essential qualities,” she stated. “I train for long hours, but it doesn’t feel like work to me. I want a coach who shares that same drive and hunger for success.”

She emphasized that many claim to have ambition, but true dedication is evident in their actions. “I am a very feelings-based person, and I can sense genuine commitment,” she added.

Exciting Matches at Indian Wells

As the Indian Wells tournament unfolds, fans witnessed a major upset on day one, with two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova falling to France’s Varvara Gracheva in a hard-fought match, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Kvitova continues to seek her first victory since returning to the WTA Tour after giving birth last July.

Additionally, former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is set to compete against Colombia’s Camila Osorio in a highly anticipated match.

Raducanu’s collaboration with Platenik at Indian Wells could be a turning point in her journey to re-establish herself among the top players. With her determination and search for the ideal coach, fans eagerly await to see how this trial will unfold and whether it will lead to a lasting partnership that fuels her quest for future Grand Slam success.