Emma Raducanu lays down the law for SEVENTH coach after split from Nick Cavaday due to health reasons

The 22-year-old British star, who accepted a wildcard entry into the tournament, learned of her challenging first-round opponent shortly before speaking to media on Saturday.

Raducanu remained relaxed about the draw, telling The National: "I've just been face down on the massage table. I'll figure it out later, I'm half asleep."

The former US Open champion is taking a week-by-week approach to the Middle East swing, which includes upcoming tournaments in Doha and Dubai.

Raducanu's preparation for the tournament comes just weeks after Cavaday stepped down following the Australian Open.

"It's difficult. Nick is a great person. He's someone I've known since I was a young girl, and I think we were working really well together," Raducanu said on Saturday.

"Unfortunately, he had to prioritise his health, which I completely understand, and I support him, and I just wish him the speediest of recoveries."

In Abu Dhabi, Raducanu has turned to former junior coach Roman Kelecic for temporary support, alongside her fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura.

Kelecic, who is based in Dubai, made the journey to Abu Dhabi after Raducanu reached out to reconnect.

"He travelled with me when I was like 14,15, in the junior ITFs; we went to all the glamorous places together when we were younger in the juniors," Raducanu explained.

"We haven't honestly seen each other in so many years. But he's based out of Dubai, and I think in this situation, I mean, I wanted to see him anyway, to catch up. So I texted him to catch up, and now he's on court with me."

Raducanu is taking a measured approach to finding her next permanent coach, emphasising the importance of making the right choice.

"It's a decision that I want to take my time with," she said. "I think that's why I haven't necessarily jumped into something straight away, because I want to make sure it's a right fit."

The world No 56 views this period without a permanent coach as an opportunity for self-discovery.

"This period where I don't necessarily have someone is going to tell me a lot. It's going to teach me a lot, what I want, what I don't want to look for in the next person," she explained.

Raducanu has embraced a more solitary lifestyle on tour, focusing on self-reflection and personal time.

"I think I just had to make some really difficult decisions. Some decisions that internally, you kind of toil with," she revealed in Abu Dhabi.

The British star has found solace in solo activities, including walks and coffee dates, while also rekindling her love for literature.

She is currently reading Jane Austen's "Emma", having previously developed a passion for the author's works during her GSCEs.

"I think this year, I've gone on loads of solo walks, solo coffee dates and just have a lot of time to kind of look inside and look internally," she said.

LATEST SPORT NEWS:

• F1 legend proposes to model girlfriend 24 years his junior after acting like 'proper gentleman'
• Emma Raducanu's former coach makes feelings clear on tennis star's 'work ethic' after Singapore Open loss
• Eddie Jones causes Six Nations outrage after awkward moment live on ITV for England vs Ireland

Heading into the tournament, Raducanu reports being in good physical condition with no immediate concerns.

"I'm physically okay at the moment with no pressing niggles or injuries for now," she told The National.

She acknowledges the challenges of practising without a permanent coach, focusing primarily on playing points in windy conditions.

"I don't think last year I would have been able to do what I am right now," Raducanu reflected, highlighting her improved physical state compared to the previous season.