2026-06-17 11:25:35

Tim Henman thinks Emma Raducanu has made a smart decision to reunite with coach Andrew Richardson.

The British number one reached the final of Queen’s last week and Henman believes that bringing back Richardson – who helped guide the star to her famous US Open triumph in 2021 – was key to her improved tennis at the event.

The four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist told Sky Sports: “I think this has been such a positive week to have Emma back competing and winning matches, playing that controlled, aggressive tennis that we’ve seen in the past.

“It’s pretty clear to see that she was in great spirits on the court; her body language looked very positive.

“There’s so much upside from this week. It’s only one week; she’s got to keep building on it, and fingers crossed she can do that.

“I think it is great Andrew Richardson is back in her corner. Obviously, he’s known her for many, many years, a long time prior to their success at the US Open.

“You can hear his input from the side of the court, he was a good player himself, a very good coach and fingers crossed Emma will stick with it.

“I think consistency and continuity are something that has been missing for a number of years and I really hope Andrew gets the chance to keep building because this really is the first real opportunity for the relationship to flourish. This has been a really positive week for both.”

Raducanu was pleased with her performance at Queen’s – where she was beaten in the final by Donna Vekic – and sees herself as a “new Emma” as she looks to add consistency to her game.

She said: “I think I played really well this week. I think I’m playing pretty freely, pretty aggressively, but finding the right balance, returning, been serving pretty well. It’s important on grass.

“My team have helped me through some really sticky situations in the past few months, and it honestly means the world to me for them to believe unconditionally. I wouldn’t be here also without them.”

Raducanu added: “I haven’t really played much this season, but to think I have made two finals so far, which I haven’t done in years, it has to be kind of, in a way, celebrated, and it’s a good achievement for me and I’m proud of it.”

Visit Bang Premier (main website)