Emma Raducanu has found fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura a good fit for her travel team, but admits she’s a “black cat” who still loves her space.
The former US Open champion has deliberately kept a small entourage around her, but late last year added Nakamura to a central unit that also includes coach Nick Cavaday.
Nakamura is highly regarded within tennis and has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, who described him this week as a “really kind person” with a love of selfies and sushi.
He and Raducanu have already spent many hours together, with the 22-year-old keen to avoid the injury lay-offs that have affected her career so far and reach her sporting potential.
“It’s important that everyone meshes well together,” said Raducanu, who begins her Australian Open campaign on Tuesday against 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.
“You spend so much time with the people you work with that of course it’s important to have a good rapport and carry on.
“I think where Yutaka and I are very similar is that we are very dedicated and, even with our long days, we always stay motivated, motivate each other and feed off energy, which is great to have because there are not many people. so dedicated that from 8am to 8pm, non-stop, you’re still showing up with the same attitude and mindset.
“It’s been really good for me and a constant, and someone who’s been really reliable.”
On- and off-field relationships with team members are often crucial to a player’s success, and Raducanu is mindful of finding the right balance.
“I’m someone who loves my space, too,” she said. “I’m a bit of a black cat, that’s how some people would describe me.
“During the day when you’re in the field or training, you’re literally with them all the time. But I think it’s important that in the morning I take a walk by myself, go get a coffee by myself, or go for a walk in the evening, I seem to be walking too much.”
Robson: Nakamura a good choice
Fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura (center) has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka
Former British No.1 Laura Robson believes Raducanu has made a smart choice, saying: “Yutaka is a great guy, I like him a lot.
“I know him from being with Maria, obviously, but even after that he was based at IMG where I trained in Florida and I would see him working with all the other players.
“He just has a huge amount of experience. He’s a very easy-going personality on the road as well, which is an underrated trait. From what I’ve seen, they’ve gone really well. I think he it will be a great addition.
“It’s something she’s wanted to do for years, but you’re looking for the right person, you’re looking for someone who is very good with the team and that seems to be the case here. I think they will continue. for quite some time.”
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Laura Robson and Tim Henman discuss the impact Raducanu’s new fitness coach will have and how she can improve her fitness
Raducanu: I find it difficult to give everything to a friendship
Raducanu has made friends with other players, but she admits some obstacles remain
Raducanu shared something of a lonely figure as she tried to settle into tour life after her US Open triumph but, three years on, she appears happier and more relaxed.
Raducanu clearly enjoyed being part of the British Billie Jean King Cup squad last year and has made friends with other players, but she admits some obstacles remain.
“I have some friends on tour who are really nice and great to hang out with on a day off or an afternoon or have a meal together,” she said.
“But it’s also very difficult to become very close to them when you’re competing with them. I’m someone who gives everything to my friends, so it’s hard for me to give everything to a friendship and then I have to play with them the court.
“I think there will always be a little bit of a barrier in a sense, but I have a pretty good relationship with most of the girls.”
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