Maria Sharapova’s Former Mentor Believes Emma Raducanu’s Coach Will Be ‘Under a Lot of Scrutiny’

Emma Raducanu didn’t have a great run at the Indian Wells 2021 as she lost in her first match of the tournament. The US Open 2021 champion suffered a defeat against Aliaksandra Sasnovich and, surprisingly, she lost in straight sets. The final scoreline of the match was 2-6, 4-6.

After her US Open run, Emma Raducanu has been looking for a new coach. Interestingly, the 18-year-old has already parted ways with two of her former coaches since the Wimbledon Championships 2021.

Former mentor of Maria Sharapova believes coaching Emma Raducanu is going to be a tough job for anyone

In a recent interview with The Sun, Michael Joyce, Maria Sharapova’s former mentor revealed that it is going to be a difficult job to coach Raducanu. He mentioned that he didn’t quite understand why the rising star parted ways with her former coach, Andrew Richardson, even after winning the US Open 2021 title with him.

Oct 6, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Emma Raducanu (GBR) plays on the practice courts. The BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

“I was really surprised with the wording of the statement that was released when Emma announced she was splitting with Andrew Richardson, saying she felt she needed someone with Tour-level experience… Why would you want a big-name coach? She’s a great player but it’s going to be a tough job for the next coach, as expectations are high,” said Joyce in the interview.

Joyce highlighted that Raducanu’s coach will be under a lot of pressure since people have a lot of expectations from the British star. He even feels that if she gets out of the Australian Open 2022 in the early rounds, her coach is likely to get all the blame for it.

“If she goes to the Australian Open next year and goes out early, people will say it’s because of the coach… It’s a tough one for whoever comes in and works with Emma as they won’t have that relationship and they will be under a lot of scrutiny,” added Sharapova’s former coach.

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“Can only help Emma to speak to Maria”- Michael Joyce

In the same interview, Joyce stated that with so much hype at a young age, even Raducanu will be under a lot of pressure when she will step on the court to play. Thus, he advised her to have a conversation with Sharapova, who also broke into headlines after winning the Wimbledon Championships at the age of just 17.

Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning her second round match against Karin Knapp of Italy. Day four of the 2014 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“It’s going to be much harder for her now with so much hype and attention… There are likely to be hiccups with such a young player, with expectations high and a superstar status to get used to. It can only help Emma to speak to Maria so I would encourage her to do that,” concluded Joyce.

Emma Raducanu’s return date to the court is uncertain as of now. Will she be able to qualify for the for the WTA Finals this year?

Also Read: Does Emma Raducanu Have a Boyfriend?

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