'Why would you': Iconic coach baffled by Emma Raducanu drama
Emma Raducanu has been called out over her controversial search for a new coach after sensationally partying ways with the man who helped her win the US Open title.
Raducanu raised eyebrows after parting ways with coach Andrew Richardson after her US Open victory - in a move that surprised many tennis commentators.
'SAD DAY': Tennis fans left shattered over Roger Federer news
WOW: Detail in Federer and Mirka wedding photo sparks frenzy
HUGE: Tennis star equals Serena Williams record at Indian Wells
Richardson coached the teenage star for two years at youth level and linked up with her again in July on a short-term deal for the duration of her time in the United States.
However Raducanu said she was looking for a coach with more experience at the elite level of world tennis.
“If any experienced coaches are out there looking, you know where to find me,” she said.
“I’m not joking, if anyone knows any experienced coaches."
Reports have emerged that the search for a new coach has proven difficult because of the sums of money being demanded for their services.
The likes of Australian Darren Cahill, Argentina's Carlos Rodriguez and Spaniard Esteban Carril have all been linked with the role but it's the latter who looks set to begin a trial period with the 18-year-old.
Carril previously worked with another Brit Johanna Konta, before being axed just weeks after she was named most improved player of 2016 and broke into the world's top ten.
Michael Joyce - the American coach who masterminded Maria Sharapova's rise to tennis stardom - says he can't understand Raducanu's decision to part ways with her former coach.
He's described taking over the role as the British teen's tennis mentor as somewhat of a poisoned chalice.
Coach call stuns Maria Sharapova's former mentor
"I was really surprised with the wording of the statement that was released when Emma announced she was splitting with Andrew Richardson, saying she felt she needed someone with Tour-level experience," Joyce told Sun Sport.
“I didn’t like the statement. If you have a good coach and it works well, then you’d think you would want to stick with them. Why would you want a big-name coach?
“She’s a great player but it’s going to be a tough job for the next coach, as expectations are high.
“If she goes to the Australian Open next year and goes out early, people will say it’s because of the coach.
“I’d known Maria for quite a long time before coaching her, as I was her hitting partner. We got to know each other, we were on a journey.
“It’s a tough one for whoever comes in and works with Emma as they won’t have that relationship and they will be under a lot of scrutiny.”
Just 27 days after winning the US Open, Raducanu faced a reality check when she was bundled out of her first match at Indian Wells, going down to Belarussian World No.100 Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6-2 6-4.
"I'm kind of glad that what happened today happened so I can learn and take it as a lesson so going forward I'll just have more experience banked," she said after the match.
Despite being a US Open champion at such a young age, the reality is that the 18-year-old had never played in the Indian Wells tournament before.
It was a fact she was keen to remind the tennis world about after insisting that the loss would serve as a learning experience for the humble star.
"I'm still very, very new to the tour," Raducanu added.
"I think that experience just comes from playing week in, week out and experiencing all these different things....
"For the bigger picture, I'll be thanking this moment."
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
