Having said that, there has been a recurring lack of stability in Raducanu’s support staff throughout the year, which extends beyond his habit of changing coaches as often as a model changes her hairstyle.
Although Raducanu still uses the same physical trainer he used as a junior, Gareth Shelbourne, he does not tour with her. Her regular physios, Will Herbert and Tom Cornish, have shared duties at various events, including the big ones. But the problems keep flaring up, not just muscle soreness, but also the blisters that have disrupted his two hard-court majors this season.
Should Raducanu change his racket settings to help her avoid these debilitating blisters? Need a different grip? Experts speak of an ad hoc approach by his team, which included a mysterious string change from polyester to gut during the clay court season.
Such details may seem trivial, but tennis is a small-margin sport, and if Raducanu were working with a general coach who possessed a singular vision, rather than signing a series of short-term deals, then his planning and decision-making might seem more logical
Even in his two tournaments since the US Open, he has talked about including extra physical training in his matches. But this is somewhat difficult to combine with matchplay. Could fatigue be contributing to his physical vulnerability? A few days after Ostapenko’s retirement, Raducanu lost to Anna-Lena Friedsam in Sloveniaafter having called the coach to apply heavy bandages on his left leg.
This usual habit of summoning the coach could also remind us that Raducanu is still not far behind the juniors. When viewing boys and girls events, it’s common to see teens highlight their physical issues, partly as a way to offset expectations. In the main run, players often outgrow this pattern of behavior, especially when they discover that manifesting pain only gives your opponent a push.
At least Raducanu is doing the right thing. testing these smaller events, where you are likely to play more matches and therefore learn more about how far you can push yourself. As the offseason approaches, he is well aware that he needs to invest time in his body. Perhaps those around her should also consider investing in a more structured support system.
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