Emma Raducanu changes coaching team again just days before start of Australian Open
Emma Raducanu has changed her coaching team again
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Emma Raducanu has once again changed her coaching team on the eve of the Australian Open with Nick Cavaday now teaming up with the 2021 US Open champion.
The Kent-based coach had worked with Raducanu during the off-season over the festive period, but he wasn't present at the ASB Classic.
Jane O’Donoghue was by Raducanu's side this week as the Brit made her long-awaited return to competitive tennis.
But Cavaday is now set to work with Raducanu in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open later this month.
Nick Cavaday worked with Emma Raducanu when she was a junior
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It's reportedly unclear whether O'Donoghue will continue working with Raducanu as well or if Cavaday will take her place.
The highly-respected coach previously worked with Raducanu during her junior career.
Sky Sports claims former men's player Somdev Devvarman has also been helping Raducanu in training sessions ahead of the US Open.
Raducanu made a promising return to the court in Auckland this week for her first competitive match in nine months.
After an opening-round win, the British tennis star was handed a difficult test against No 2 seed Elena Svitolina.
An upset was on the cards when Raducanu took the opening set tiebreak, but the former world No 10 appeared to run out of steam in the third set as Svitolina advanced.
The young British tennis star has also been given a huge boost to her Australian Open hopes as she has made it into the main draw following a number of withdrawals.
Raducanu had a 'special ranking' designation of 103, but that initially wasn't enough for her to qualify for the main draw.
That meant Raducanu would have had to go through qualifying for the first time at a major since she won the US Open in 2021.
Emma Raducanu made her long-awaited comeback this week
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But American Lauren Davis' withdrawal this week has seen the British star rise high enough in the rankings to gain direct entry into the 128-player draw.
The 21-year-old was disappointed not to extend her run at the ASB Classic this week, but was clearly positive with her overall display.
"It's of course pretty exciting for me. I've only played two matches and also my court time has been pretty limited," Raducanu said.
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Emma Raducanu is now in the main draw for the Australian Open
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"I've been training the last few months at the LTA, but I had a few setbacks with my wrists and ankles. So to be back up to speed after so little is a great sign.
"Of course I'm disappointed about today because I was a few points away and had a few forehands mid-court, but at least I took them.
"I think I'd regret it more if I just pushed it in and let her hit a winner, so at least it was on my terms.
"I'm looking forward to this season, it's just the beginning. It's week one - a lot more to come."
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