Emma Raducanu hits out at critics after coaching saga: 'I'm still 19'

Reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu has hit back at critics that have called for her to find a new coach after claiming she is only 19 and already a grand slam champion.

Raducanu shot to stardom in 2021 after becoming the first qualifier ever to win the US Open after a dream run.

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However, since the Brit teenager became one of the biggest names in tennis, she has gone through a number of coaches since winning the US Open.

Raducanu split with her coach Torbin Beltz in April, despite the pair spending just five months together.

Beltz was the third different mentor in 10 months for Raducanu, who came to Roland Garros without a coach after announcing that she was trying a "new training model" that involves support from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and meetings with consultants.

Raducanu replaced Nigel Sears with Andrew Richardson after Wimbledon, then decided not to renew the latter's contract despite the fact he guided her to a historic victory at the US Open as a qualifier.

Her rotation of coaches has drawn criticism from the tennis world.

Heading into her home grand slam, there will be extra pressure on Raducanu to live up to the hype at SW19.

But, Raducanu has implored those questioning her judgement to just hold their opinion as she is only 19.

"I want to take my time with this decision," Raducanu said ahead of the Rothesay Open in Nottingham.

"Nothing has changed. I still have the same people, good people, around me. I don't want to rush into anything.

"Personally, I think I know what I'm doing. I'm trusting what I'm doing and the work I'm doing.

"I'm still 19 and I've already won a Grand Slam so I can take my time and put things in place because I know my motivation isn't any less."

Emma Raducanu ready for grass court season

The World No.11 made her WTA debut at Nottingham 12 months ago.

She later announced herself to the tennis world with a fourth round appearance at Wimbledon.

And while the results have been what she was hoping since winning the US Open, Raducanu does think she is on the right track.

“I think I've improved in many aspects of my game. I think there’s a few things I want to get back, but I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress," she said.

"I’m playing better here but the results might not follow because the opponents are playing really good tennis. I take that as a challenge, they’re raising their game."

The Top 5 WTA players were set to compete in Nottingham, but recent French Open winner Iga Swiatek said she would take a week off before jumping back into competition.

Swiatek embarked on a remarkable 34 match winning streak before lifting the Roland Garros trophy and will head into the grass court season seeking her third grand slam.

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