A New Chapter for Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has found herself in a new coaching arrangement with Vladimir ‘Vlado’ Platenik, a move that signals a potential turning point in her career. Platenik, who joined Raducanu at Indian Wells, will work with her on a trial basis through the French Open. Interestingly, this partnership did not materialize overnight. Platenik had been approached twice before, once immediately after Raducanu’s historic US Open victory and another time more recently. He declined both offers, the first due to his commitment to another player and the second because he felt it was too soon after her major win. Platenik has previously referred to the initial offer as "coaching suicide" due to the immense pressure Raducanu faced following her success. However, now he believes the time is right for her to realize her full potential. The coaching change comes at a critical juncture for Raducanu, who has endured a series of challenges, including surgeries and a harrowing stalking incident, and is looking to regain her form.
The Challenges of Success
The path to the top of tennis is fraught with obstacles, and Raducanu’s journey is no exception. After her meteoric rise to fame, the young British player has experienced significant setbacks. Platenik acknowledges the immense pressure that comes with being a teen sensation, noting that many players struggle to maintain their success after a major breakthrough. He cited examples of other tennis greats like Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati, and Belinda Bencic, who all faced similar trials. Platenik explained, "A young player takes off with one great result then has a hard time. Her surroundings and the public expect her to repeat those results. Maybe 30 percent of players fall out of the top 100 in a season after their first big result." However, Raducanu’s resilience and maturity stand out. Platenik believes she has already "gone through hell" and is now in a different mental and emotional position, ready to tackle new challenges with a fresh perspective.
Acalculating Move by the Raducanu Family
The Raducanu family’s involvement in Emma’s career decisions is evident in the appointment of Platenik. Until just before Indian Wells, Platenik was working with New Zealand player Lulu Sun, who famously beat Raducanu in the fourth round of Wimbledon last year. Sun’s unexpected but amicable departure from Platenik’s tutelage opened the door for Raducanu. According to Platenik, the Raducanu family had initially reached out to him for a coaching recommendation. When he became available, he wrote to Emma’s father, Ian, to express his interest in the long-term role. Ian’s response was positive, and the collaboration began. This level of family involvement underscores the careful and strategic approach to Emma’s career, aiming to find the best match for her both as a player and as a person.
Early Positive Signs
Despite only working with Raducanu for a couple of days, Platenik has already observed a strong synergy between them. He was impressed by her commitment and the positive atmosphere during their first training session. "I was surprised by the symbiosis we had. She was very committed, and everything went in a good mood. She was satisfied with the two or three tips I gave her. I felt very good after that training session," Platenik shared. This immediate connection is crucial, as coaching relationships often hinge on a mutual understanding and respect. Platenik’s optimism extends to Raducanu’s approach to learning and communication, which he sees as key attributes for her growth. He noted, "I really like her because she approaches tennis differently than 95 percent of players I’ve coached. She wants to learn, she wants to communicate. We sat for an hour and a half watching a video of her next opponent, and she kept asking me, ‘Vlado, what do you think about this?’ Many players don’t have anything like this; I always had to encourage them to do it."
Areas for Improvement
Platenik has a clear vision of the areas where Raducanu can improve. He highlighted her serve and forehand as needing both technical and tactical refinement. "She moves very well. She needs to work on her serve and forehand. Not only technically but also tactically, so she can keep the pressure," he said. Raducanu’s explosive movement and agility are praised, but Platenik believes she sometimes releases pressure prematurely and makes suboptimal decisions regarding her positioning when hitting. These insights provide a roadmap for Raducanu’s development, focusing on enhancing her weapons and strategic play. Platenik’s emphasis on these specific areas suggests a tailored approach that could resonate well with Raducanu’s current needs and strengths.
A Grounded Star
Emma Raducanu’s grounded nature is one of the most commendable aspects of her personality, according to Platenik. Despite her Grand Slam title, she remains humble and approachable. "She doesn’t look like she’s complacent at all. She has her feet firmly on the ground—she didn’t fly away after the Grand Slam title. Many players who are 80 in the world and behave a thousand times worse. They are often arrogant; Emma talks to everyone and is smiling. I am very satisfied with her approach—both humanly and professionally," Platenik observed. This humility and willingness to engage with others are not only refreshing but also crucial for maintaining a healthy and focused mindset in the highly competitive world of professional tennis.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Raducanu and Platenik embark on this new journey together, the signs are promising. Platenik’s coaching style, which emphasizes communication and player engagement, aligns well with Raducanu’s own approach to the game. The combination of Raducanu’s talent, resilience, and humility, along with Platenik’s expertise and understanding, could lead to a resurgence in her career. The challenges ahead are significant, but the initial rapport and shared goals suggest that this partnership has the potential to be fruitful. Raducanu’s fans and the tennis community at large will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds, hopeful that the young star can once again shine on the court and inspire a new generation of players.
