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Archive March 25, 2025

How ‘free spirit’ Raducanu is thriving without coach

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Emma Raducanu admits to never being afraid to “do things a little bit differently.”

The British number two’s inclusion in the WTA 1, 000 quarter-final without a full-time coach makes for brand-new feeling.

By defeating American 17th seed Amanda Anisimova on Monday, Raducanu won the Miami Open for the fourth time in a row.

The 22-year-old has won that many matches in one tournament for the first time since the 2021 US Open, when she clinched a fairytale victory as a teenage qualifier.

According to Raducanu, who is ranked 60th in the world, “I’d say I’m a bit of a free spirit, so I don’t need to be told what to do.”

“I believe that when I’m being really authentic, I’m playing at my best,” he said.

What has Raducanu changed?

Getty Images

Raducanu regularly adheres to what she believes is best for her, whether it be winning a Grand Slam championship as an unknown rookie, working with a carousel of coaches, or changing her schedule to fit her needs.

Although it doesn’t always turn out well, she continues to hold onto her beliefs.

On the eve of this tournament, Vladimir Platenik and I made another decision that was initially unplanned.

However, her move seems to have paid off with her run on the faster courts in Miami, which is a flattering surface for her style.

Raducanu has a freedom and self-assurance that have only improved since her stunning US Open success.

According to Raducanu, “I feel when I’m boxed into a regimented way that I can’t express myself in the same way.”

Mark Petchey, a well-known player in British tennis circles who worked with her as a teenager, has guided her throughout her time in Florida.

Petchey, who previously trained Andy Murray for his salad on the ATP Tour, has been providing coaching advice from Raducanu’s box on the practice courts.

Petchey and Yutaka Nakamura, Raducanu’s long-time ally, have been working together.

What Raducanu refers to as a “different approach” has resulted in shorter, less intense warm-up sessions and shorter periods of enjoyment.

“This week has been a great eye-opener to when I’m happy and expressive and myself,” Raducanu said.

Does she require a full-time coach?

The reasons behind Raducanu’s chopping and changing of coaches have varied, and there is good evidence of this.

After splitting with a fifth coach in two years, Raducanu argued that her “provoking” and “challenging” questions in some way contributed to the high turnover.

The Briton turned to childhood coach Nick Cavaday as a hero when she recovered from wrist and ankle surgeries in 2024.

He provided stability and a reliable sounding board, but his relationship with him abruptly ended in January as a result of his health issues.

Some people are still unsure whether Raducanu even needs a full-time coach despite the fact that her father, Ian Raducanu, hired Platenik.

Rare are instances of players without a coach engaging in long-range competition. Nick Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, is one of the recent winners.

The controversial Australian responded to Raducanu’s run by calling coaches “overrated” and never missed an opportunity to be provocative.

Where are all the experts now, people, awfully quiet, saying Raducanu is winning? posted on X by Kyrgios.

Jane O'Donoghue and Mark Petchey support Emma Raducanu at the Miami OpenGetty Images

The company’s representatives describe Petchey as a “familiar face” who is offering “support” when he balances his work as a television commentator with his role in Miami.

However, how long the agreement will last is unclear.

Tim Henman, a former British number one who has advised Raducanu over the years, thinks Petchey’s involvement “makes sense” because he is familiar with “Emma’s game.”

Henman, who will serve as vice-captain at this year’s Laver Cup, said, “It’ll be interesting to see how long it lasts for.”

Emma has stated in a fairly open interview that she finds it difficult to switch coaches.

I began playing tennis professionally at the end of 1992 and finished in 2007. I had three coaches.

Can Raducanu maintain his or her “competitive spirit”?

Given the number of injuries and issues she has dealt with since winning the US Open, questions about Raducanu’s resilience have been frequently raised.

Additionally, this season was difficult. Before atraumatic stalking incident in Dubai and Cavaday’s exit, her back injury pre-season interrupted her.

Some of the skeptical people were pleasantly surprised by her brutal defeat of world number 10 Emma Navarro in the second round in Miami.

McCartney Kessler and Anisimova, who were both physically hampered, were both swarmed with steel by her.

Raducanu acknowledges that she has lost some of her “competitive spirit” over the past few months and even for a few years.

Whatever she decides to do in Florida, keeping up her level over time is something she has lacked to do so far.

Henman points to Raducanu’s improved durability as a result of her playing more tournaments, despite losing six of her nine matches before the Miami Open.

More than she has in the first three months of the season, Raducanu has competed in seven events this year.

She will re-enter the top 50 for the first time since August 2022 after Miami.

Henman said, “It’s simple to look at the results, but I’d rather look at the course of the tournament,” which is a big, big positive.

related subjects

  • Tennis

How ‘free spirit’ Raducanu is thriving without coach

This video is not playable.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

Emma Raducanu admits to never being afraid to “do things a little bit differently.”

The British number two’s inclusion in the WTA 1, 000 quarter-final without a full-time coach makes for brand-new feeling.

By defeating American 17th seed Amanda Anisimova on Monday, Raducanu won the Miami Open for the fourth time in a row.

The 22-year-old has won that many matches in one tournament for the first time since the 2021 US Open, when she clinched a fairytale victory as a teenage qualifier.

According to Raducanu, who is ranked 60th in the world, “I’d say I’m a bit of a free spirit, so I don’t need to be told what to do.”

“I believe that when I’m being really authentic, I’m playing at my best,” he said.

What has Raducanu changed?

Getty Images

Raducanu regularly adheres to what she believes is best for her, whether it be winning a Grand Slam championship as an unknown rookie, working with a carousel of coaches, or changing her schedule to fit her needs.

Although it doesn’t always turn out well, she continues to hold onto her beliefs.

On the eve of this tournament, Vladimir Platenik and I made another decision that was initially unplanned.

However, her move seems to have paid off with her run on the faster courts in Miami, which is a flattering surface for her style.

Raducanu has a freedom and self-assurance that have only improved since her stunning US Open success.

According to Raducanu, “I feel when I’m boxed into a regimented way that I can’t express myself in the same way.”

Mark Petchey, a well-known player in British tennis circles who worked with her as a teenager, has guided her throughout her time in Florida.

Petchey, who previously trained Andy Murray for his salad on the ATP Tour, has been providing coaching advice from Raducanu’s box on the practice courts.

Petchey and Yutaka Nakamura, Raducanu’s long-time ally, have been working together.

What Raducanu refers to as a “different approach” has resulted in shorter, less intense warm-up sessions and shorter periods of enjoyment.

“This week has been a great eye-opener to when I’m happy and expressive and myself,” Raducanu said.

Does she require a full-time coach?

The reasons behind Raducanu’s chopping and changing of coaches have varied, and there is good evidence of this.

After splitting with a fifth coach in two years, Raducanu argued that her “provoking” and “challenging” questions in some way contributed to the high turnover.

The Briton turned to childhood coach Nick Cavaday as a hero when she recovered from wrist and ankle surgeries in 2024.

He provided stability and a reliable sounding board, but his relationship with him abruptly ended in January as a result of his health issues.

Some people are still unsure whether Raducanu even needs a full-time coach despite the fact that her father, Ian Raducanu, hired Platenik.

Rare are instances of players without a coach engaging in long-range competition. Nick Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, is one of the recent winners.

The controversial Australian responded to Raducanu’s run by calling coaches “overrated” and never missed an opportunity to be provocative.

Where are all the experts now, people, awfully quiet, saying Raducanu is winning? posted on X by Kyrgios.

Jane O'Donoghue and Mark Petchey support Emma Raducanu at the Miami OpenGetty Images

The company’s representatives describe Petchey as a “familiar face” who is offering “support” when he balances his work as a television commentator with his role in Miami.

However, how long the agreement will last is unclear.

Tim Henman, a former British number one who has advised Raducanu over the years, thinks Petchey’s involvement “makes sense” because he is familiar with “Emma’s game.”

Henman, who will serve as vice-captain at this year’s Laver Cup, said, “It’ll be interesting to see how long it lasts for.”

Emma has stated in a fairly open interview that she finds it difficult to switch coaches.

I began playing tennis professionally at the end of 1992 and finished in 2007. I had three coaches.

Can Raducanu maintain his or her “competitive spirit”?

Given the number of injuries and issues she has dealt with since winning the US Open, questions about Raducanu’s resilience have been frequently raised.

Additionally, this season was difficult. Before atraumatic stalking incident in Dubai and Cavaday’s exit, her back injury pre-season interrupted her.

Some of the skeptical people were pleasantly surprised by her brutal defeat of world number 10 Emma Navarro in the second round in Miami.

McCartney Kessler and Anisimova, who were both physically hampered, were both swarmed with steel by her.

Raducanu acknowledges that she has lost some of her “competitive spirit” over the past few months and even for a few years.

Whatever she decides to do in Florida, keeping up her level over time is something she has lacked to do so far.

Henman points to Raducanu’s improved durability as a result of her playing more tournaments, despite losing six of her nine matches before the Miami Open.

More than she has in the first three months of the season, Raducanu has competed in seven events this year.

She will re-enter the top 50 for the first time since August 2022 after Miami.

Henman said, “It’s simple to look at the results, but I’d rather look at the course of the tournament,” which is a big, big positive.

related subjects

  • Tennis

World Cup Qualifiers: South Africa Risk Points Deduction For Fielding Ineligible Player Vs Lesotho

As South Africa faces a three-point deficit for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho last week, Nigeria’s chances of winning the 2026 World Cup may have come to an end.

Teboho Mokoena, the player who was in question, was a member of the Mamelodi Sundowns and was suspended from his game against Lesotho last Friday, which South Africa won 2-0.

In South Africa’s 2-1 victory over the Benin Republic in Match Day 1 of the qualification series, the midfielder was cautioned for the first time in November 2023. In Bafana Bafana’s victory over Zimbabwe in June 2024, Mokena received yet another yellow card.

A player who accumulates two yellow cards is ineligible to play the following game, per Section 67 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

“A person is automatically suspended from the next match of the same FIFA competition if they are given a caution in two separate matches of the same competition.” The disciplinary code read, “Such suspensions must be served before any other suspension.”

Despite two cautions in the race for the 2026 World Cup, South Africa faced Lesotho in the final match. In Group C of the qualifiers, Bafana Bafana won the match, giving her a two-point lead.

That implies that South Africa might face sanctions in accordance with FIFA Disciplinary Code Section 19 which could result in points being lost.

“The team to which a player is a member will forfeit the match and pay a minimum fine of CHF 6, 000 if they are declared ineligible following a protest.” The player may also be subject to sanctions, according to Section 19 of the code’s subsection 2.

However, Section 18: 1 of the law, which states “associations and their clubs are entitled to lodge protests,” may be a lifeline for South Africa. Within 24 hours after the game ends, protests must be submitted to the Disciplinary Committee in writing via the FIFA Legal Portal with a statement outlining the grounds.

Australia Beat China 2-0 To Take Step Nearer To World Cup

With a comfortable 2-0 victory over China in Hangzhou on Tuesday, Australia moved closer to automatic World Cup qualification.

The Socceroos are now second in Group C with 13 points and two to play, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia, who have a significantly better goal difference, with their 5-1 victory over Indonesia last week.

The top two North American teams advance to the World Cup in 2026.

The group could go straight to the wire, though, because Australia will host table-toppers Japan who are already qualified and will travel to Saudi Arabia for their final qualifying event in June.

On March 25, 2025, China’s Behram Abduweli (L) kicks the ball in opposition to Australia’s Jackson Irvine in a football match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Zhejiang, in eastern Zhejiang province. Hector RETAMAL/AFP photo
On March 25, 2025, China and Australia play at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, in eastern Zhejiang province, to celebrate their goal in a match for the FIFA World Cup qualification competition in the country. Hector RETAMAL/AFP photo

China are only able to move up to third or fourth place, which would allow them to enter the next qualifying round, despite having only six points.

In their final two matches, they travel to Bahrain and Indonesia.

Tony Popovic’s unbeaten record since taking over as head coach in September is still maintained by Australia after dominating from the beginning in Hangzhou.

After poor Chinese defense gave him the opportunity to shoot, Jackson Irvine curled home in the 16th minute to start the winning campaign.

After his first shot was blocked, the 32-year-old FC St Pauli player evaded two hesitant challenges and snuck home with a left-foot shot.

In the 29th minute, Popovic’s side received a second thanks to a terrible error by goalkeeper Wang Dalei.

On March 25, 2025, China and Australia play at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in eastern Zhejiang province in a football match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification at the same location. Hector RETAMAL/AFP photo
On March 25, 2025, China and Australia play at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, in eastern Zhejiang province, for the first time since the FIFA World Cup qualifier. Hector RETAMAL/AFP photo

For the Chinese captain’s third goal in five internationals, Nishan Velupillay let his scuffed shot squirm through his grasp, bounce off his body, and trickle over the line.

At half-time, Brazil-born Serginho made his international debut and was later formally referred to as Sai Erjiniao (also known as Sai Erjiniao in Chinese).

On March 25, 2025, at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, in eastern Zhejiang province, Australia’s Jackson Irvine (R) scores a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between China and Australia. Hector RETAMAL/AFP photo

When Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan powerful shot from the edge of the area over the bar almost made an immediate impact.

Real Madrid Making Progress On Alexander-Arnold Transfer: Reports

According to reports on Tuesday, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid is on the verge of being completed when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season.

The defender has long been linked with a free transfer to the Bernabeu, and it is believed that talks between the 26-year-old and the Spanish giants are progressing.

Since January, the England international has been able to discuss terms with foreign clubs. He started out in the youth ranks at Liverpool and has spent more than 20 years at the Premier League.

Also Read: Blatter and Platini Cleared Of Corruption Case At FIFA

On January 5, 2025, during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England, Trent Alexander-Arnold (L) and Diogo Dalot (R) square off against Diogo Dalot (R). (Photo by Darren Staples/AFP)

Alexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut as an 18-year-old in 2016.

With his boyhood club, the right-back has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup, and is currently 12 points clear of Arne Slot’s side for the top of the table.

At the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold is one of three important Liverpool players with no contracts, with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s prospects still uncertain.

Alexander-Arnold missed Liverpool’s defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup final earlier this month because of an ankle injury.

Liverpool has not responded to the reports.

Saudis Ready For World Cup ‘Tough Fight’ After Draw In Japan

After drawing 0-0 with Japan on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard said, “everything can happen.” This kept his team’s chances of winning the 2026 World Cup alive.

In the battle for second place in Group C’s third-round Asian qualifying, the Saudis were subject to intense pressure from Japan, which was hostile, in Saitama.

With two games left, Australia now leads Saudi Arabia by three points after defeating China 2-0.

The top two teams advance to a second qualifying round, with the top three teams going into the third and fourth rounds, and then automatically advance to the next World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In their final qualifying match in June, Saudi Arabia takes on Australia, and Renard claimed his country was still in the running for a direct spot.

Also Read: Blatter and Platini Cleared Of Corruption Case At FIFA

The Frenchman said, “There are still two games where everything can happen.”

Before the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification football match against Saudi Arabia in Saitama on March 25, 2025, Japan’s players pose for a team photo. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI/AFP)

We must travel to Bahrain, where Japan and Australia will play, and where Australia will play in the final game.

It’s a difficult fight, they say. We just need to consider the four points we received in these two games, and we look to be better offensively in these two games. ”

Roberto Mancini was fired in October of last year, and Renard led the Saudis to a famous victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

With a 1-0 victory over China last week, the Saudis won their first of five qualifiers, but it was harder to beat runaway group leaders Japan away from home.

He said, “We got a good result this evening.”

You are unable to be open.

I am aware that it wasn’t beautiful. Sorry, but we kept our organization. ”

Japan qualified for Group C with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain last week, making them the first nation to do so.

Japan were unable to convert possession into chances when Celtic striker Daizen Maeda hit the post with a first-half chance.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said, “We qualified for the World Cup, but there was no drop-off from the players prior to the game.”

We kept our focus on the game, kept our concentration, and stopped the enemy from hitting us on the counter. Both tactically and mentally, the players did very well. ”

Kaoru Mitoma, Ayase Ueda, Ayase Ueda, and Hidemasa Morita were the only players who made the starting lineup for Japan after the victory over Bahrain.

Renard praised his defense for handling a Japan side that had scored 24 goals in eight qualifiers despite the fact that the Saudis were missing players.

Because Japan is a very good team, he said, “You can’t come here when you are very open. You need to be careful.”

I believe the defensive strategy was effective. Offensively, we attempted to enter the space, but we failed miserably. ”