Emma Raducanu‘s former coach, Sebastian Sachs, has delivered a classy message to the one-time US Open champion following their recent split. The Brit is once again on the hunt for new guidance as she continues her recovery from surgery on her ankle and hands.
Raducanu ruled herself out of the French Open and Wimbledon this year by revealing in May that she had undergone two surgeries. She and Sachs had only started working together last December, and the partnership proved to be short-lived.
Faced with the prospect of paying his salary during a lengthy spell of inactivity, Raducanu confirmed that they had gone their separate ways on Thursday.
“I have really enjoyed Seb’s coaching and working with him, it’s unfortunate that circumstances made it unfeasible for both of us to continue right now,” she wrote on social media.
Now, Sachs has had his say, with the German explaining that tricky conversations took place before arriving at a final decision. He handled the situation with class, however, by wishing Raducanu well in her recovery.
“It’s a pity, of course, because I like Emma and we worked very well together on the court,” he told Eurosport. “But unfortunately, difficult situations led to difficult conversations and finally we came to this decision. I wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the court in top form soon.”
“Emma needs to find consistency and continuity with regards to her team,” former British No 1 Tim Henman told The Telegraph. “That goes for a coach, physio and fitness trainer. Being out injured, I hope she can use this time to put this structure in place.”
The long road to recovery means it is touch and go whether Raducanu makes it back in time for the US Open in August, and her entourage are believed to be holding off on pursuing a new coach until she is closer to fitness.
