Coach Vladimir Platenik has disclosed that his brief collaboration with Emma Raducanu has come to an end, attributing the split to the considerable stress the British tennis player is facing. This announcement follows Raducanu’s straight-sets victory over Japan’s Sayaka Ishii at the Miami Open. Platenik’s trial tenure, which began at Indian Wells, lasted just two weeks, during which he was notably absent for Raducanu’s match against Ishii.
Platenik expressed surprise at the swift conclusion of their partnership but stated he held no anger towards Raducanu’s decision. He acknowledged the immense pressure she is under since her stunning US Open win in 2021 has led to heightened expectations, both from the public and herself. “I understand Emma; she’s not in an easy position and has told me she feels stressed,” he explained. He added that while he believes the decision to end their relationship may have been made a bit hastily, it is crucial for players to prioritise their mental wellbeing.
Raducanu’s team clarified that their parting was amicable, emphasising that it was not motivated by negative intent but rather a recognition that their partnership wasn’t progressing positively. A spokesperson noted, “Emma has utmost respect for Vlado,” and confirmed her focus is on performing well in Miami as she continues her search for the right coach.
Additionally, Platenik mentioned that Raducanu’s father had reached out to him for coaching recommendations earlier in the year following the departure of her long-term mentor, Nick Cavaday, for health reasons. The young athlete has struggled to secure a stable coaching situation since Cavaday’s exit.
In a previous interview, Platenik had been wary of the prospect of coaching Raducanu, suggesting it could be a risky move given the intense scrutiny she faced after her initial success. He reflected on her current situation, saying, “Now she is in a completely different position. She’s already gone through hell.”
As Raducanu, currently ranked No. 60 in the world, prepares to face America’s Emma Navarro in the second round in Miami, she will be seeking her eighth coach amid what has been a challenging year for her, which has included a troubling incident involving a fan during a match in Dubai.