Emma Raducanu's decision to rekindle her partnership with Andrew Richardson has proven successful, as she reached her third WTA final at Queen's Club earlier this month, ultimately losing to Donna Vekic. Despite the defeat, the campaign was hugely positive for Raducanu as she builds her grass game ahead of Wimbledon.
Raducanu Reunites with Former Coach
The one-time US Open champion recently reappointed Richardson as her coach, having initially dismissed him after her triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2021. She endured a series of coaching changes without success before asking Richardson to return.
John Lloyd, former British number one, has now cast doubt on whether Richardson should have accepted the offer, given the circumstances of their previous split.
Lloyd's Controversial Comments
"Well, I mean, no one else has said this, so I'll probably get in trouble… but to be honest, if I was Andrew Richardson, I would have thought long and hard about accepting to come back," Lloyd told Tennis365. "After what happened at the US Open… that, to me, was mind-boggling. And then she comes back to him when she needs help."
Lloyd set aside his opinions to wish Raducanu well, hoping she flourishes under Richardson's guidance. "But whatever, that's another topic, and that's for them to see that they've worked it out, and they're fine. I just hope that she sticks with him and gives him a fair chance," he added.
Revolving Door of Coaches
Reflecting on Raducanu's numerous failed coaching partnerships, Lloyd likened her situation to a football club. "I said at one stage it was like Watford having a revolving door of coaches. It doesn't work. So hopefully, there will be a bit of longevity here."
"Andrew's very good at what he does, he's had big success with her and she obviously feels comfortable. No idea why it ended in the first place. That was the most illogical thing I've seen for years. But they're back now, so that's the main thing, and she played great [at Queen's], and she's going to move up those rankings. She's damn good," Lloyd concluded.
Raducanu will hope for stability with Richardson, having gone through nine different coaches in five years.
