Nine months ago, Emma Raducanu wrote her name into the sporting history books after becoming US Open champion as an 18-year-old qualifier. Overnight, Raducanu went from a rising prospect to one of tennis’ - and sport’s - headline names.
In the months since her heroic Flushing Meadows victory the British star has been through a whirlwind run that has not been short of drama. The first chapter came after Raducanu decided to part company with coach Andrew Richardson less than two weeks after her famous triumph in New York.
Many within the tennis world were left shell-shocked with the teenager’s decision, especially after Richardson had helped guide her to her US Open title win.
However, Raducanu insisted she opted to end their partnership to look for someone with ‘who has been at that level [the WTA Tour] and knows what it takes’, after the British teenager’s world ranking skyrocketed to No. 22. As she began life as a permanent fixture at the top of the women’s game, nailing down a new experienced coach proved hard to come by.
Almost two months after her Grand Slam win, the US Open champion was finally able to confirm her new trainer, as Torben Beltz came in to take on the role. Beltz seemingly provided exactly what the Brit was looking for, having spent time at the very top of the game alongside three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber.
Just five months later though, Raducanu once again found herself splitting with her coach as she announced the end of her relationship with Beltz back in April, leaving her coach-less heading into Wimbledon. Whether the Brit competes at SW19 still remains to be seen, having been plagued with injury since taking to the WTA Tour full time.
Since her breakthrough win, Raducanu has had many injury setbacks, having withdrawn from three events in 2022 mid-match due to fitness problems. The latest came earlier this month at the Nottingham Open, as his Wimbledon prep was dealt a huge blow just moments into her grass court campaign.
Just minutes into her opening round match with Viktorija Golubic, the teenager required medical attention after and fell to the court floor in pain. Despite attempting to battle on, Raducanu finally called time on the match after seven games, as she hobbled away with what looked to be a side strain.
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Her fitness setbacks have unsurprisingly hindered her form, as the 19-year-old has struggled to replicate the heroics she produced in New York. As a result Raducanu has failed to win more than two matches at an event since clinching her Grand Slam title nine months ago.
Despite her coaching and fitness problems it has not been all doom and gloom for the Brit, who has acquired plenty of sponsorship on the back of her rise to fame. The 19-year-old has linked up with some of the most recognised companies on the planet, including Nike, Porsche, HSBC, British Airways and Tiffany & Co. Her commercial deals and US Open winnings have resulted in Raducanu racking up a net worth of £4.3million according to Marca, however after signing a reported £4million deal with Vodafone, it is expected that this is now closer to the £10 million mark.
