Emma Raducanu reunites with US Open-winning coach Andrew Richardson

Emma Raducanu has reunited with US Open-winning coach Andrew Richardson as she prepares to return to tennis in Strasbourg following a two-month illness absence.

The British number one famously claimed her maiden Grand Slam title in New York in 2021 under Richardson’s guidance.

She drew strong criticism for splitting with him shortly after that stunning triumph, citing a desire for a mentor with more WTA Tour experience.

Several years and multiple short-term coaching appointments later, the 23-year-old has once again turned to a trusted figure.

Familiar face returns ahead of Roland Garros

“Grateful to have reconnected with someone who has known me for over a decade now and looking forward to building together one iteration at a time.”

The renewed partnership begins immediately at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, where she has accepted a wild card entry.

This latest appointment continues a clear pattern of the former Flushing Meadows champion favouring familiar mentors she worked with prior to her rapid ascent to superstardom.

Richardson follows in the footsteps of previous returning coaches such as Nick Cavaday and Mark Petchey.

Battling illness and a rankings drop

Speculation over a permanent reunion intensified when the pair spent a week practising at the Ferrer Tennis Academy in Spain last month.

She had been without a full-time mentor since parting ways with Francisco Roig following the Australian Open earlier this year.

The tennis star has played only four tournaments since Melbourne, reaching a final in Romania in February before a virus derailed her season.

That lingering illness forced withdrawals from high-profile events in Miami, Linz, Madrid and Rome.

She is now seeking valuable clay-court experience in France to prepare for the upcoming French Open.

However, an expected drop to 37th in the world rankings next week means she will not be seeded at Roland Garros when the main draw begins on 24 May.