Emma Raducanu has stated that she "hopes to continue" working with Nick Cavaday beyond the Australian Open to potentially end the British star's arduous search for a long-term coach.
The former British No 1's coaching situation has been a sideshow to her young career so far.
Three-time Grand Slam winner Ann Jones branded Raducanu's decision to part ways with Andrew Richardson - who helped coach her to US Open glory in 2021 - as "the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard".
Nigel Sears was Raducanu's first coach, who was in the Brit's corner during her breakthrough magical run to the fourth round of Wimbledon at 18 years of age.
Emma Raducanu is working with Nick Cavaday in Australia
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There's been a run of short-term appointments ever since then with Torben Beltz, Jane O'Donoghue, Iain Bates, Louis Cayer, Dmitry Tursonov and Sebastian Sachs being hired and fired in the space of a few years.
Cavaday is the latest person brought in by Raducanu to coach her and the pair have a strong history of working together.
The former LTA Loughborough Academy head coach worked with Raducanu when the 2021 US Open champion was a junior.
The pair reunited at the National Tennis Centre over the Christmas period and he's now going to be in her corner for the Australian Open.
Raducanu has been careful in the past on stating whether she plans to continue with her coach on a long-term basis.
But the 21-year-old has indicated that Cavaday may finally be the answer to her search for a long-term coach.
“We’re just taking it how it goes," she said.
"It’s been working really well so far.
“I, of course, hope to continue with him because I feel very comfortable with him.
"I know his sister really well because, like, everyone is from Bromley.”
Emma Raducanu feels good heading into the Australian Open
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The Australian Open represents Raducanu's first Grand Slam since last year's major Down Under after undergoing surgery in April.
And she admits to feeling a lot less pressure heading into this major with a big focus on having people she can trust in her inner-circle.
Raducanu added: “I feel a lot lighter now than I did for a long time after US Open.
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Emma Raducanu only made her comeback from injury last week
PA
“I feel like I’m not playing with a backpack of rocks. I feel pretty light and happy.
“Reflecting on the past, I think people are very important.
“I think surrounding yourself with competent and knowledgeable people is of course really important, but also the type of person and their character is big-time, just making sure we really get on and intentions are really good.”
