Emma Raducanu set to make major decision involving Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka's ex-team member: Reports

Emma Raducanu is reportedly considering Yutaka Nakamura as her new fitness trainer. The Japanese coach has previously worked with prominent players, including Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova.

As reported by the Daily Telegraph, the former US Open champion is in talks with Nakamura, who specializes in strength and conditioning. Journalist Simon Briggs later shared this update on X (formerly Twitter).

"Emma Raducanu is looking at hiring Yutaka Nakamura, the fitness trainer who worked with Sharapova for 8 years, and then Osaka among others. Will be a statement of intent if she goes ahead."

You can see the post below:

In addition to his partnerships with Osaka and Sharapova, Nakamura has also worked with Kei Nishikori, Tommy Haas, Mary Pierce, and Jennifer Capriati in their careers.

Since winning the 2021 US Open, Raducanu has struggled with persistent injuries, failing to capture another singles title. The 21-year-old's most recent appearance was in the Korea Open quarterfinals against Daria Kasatkina, where Raducanu had to retire mid-match due to a left foot ligament sprain.

The Brit holds a win-loss record of 20-13 this season and has not competed since the Korea Open. However, her team recently provided a positive update about when she could be next in action.

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Emma Raducanu's team recently issued a statement regarding her next tournament amid injury struggles

Emma Raducanu at the 2024 US Open - Source: Getty

Raducanu's team has confirmed that she aims to compete at the Billie Jean King Cup finals next week amid injury struggles.

While announcing her withdrawal from the Hong Kong Open on October 23, Raducanu revealed that she needed more time to recover and expressed her eagerness to return for the Billie Jean King Cup.

"Hellooo, I’m sorry to say that I will not be able to play in Hong Kong next week. Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit. I hope to be able to come back and play this tournament in the future! In the meantime, I am doing what I can to be ready for BJKC," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

As per a recent update provided by her team, Emma Raducanu has been training this week at the LTA's National Tennis Centre in London. If everything remains under control, the 21-year-old may join Team Great Britain in Malaga on Monday for the Billie Jean King Cup.

"Emma is training well and being with the team next week is her focus," the statement read (via Daily Mail).

Katie Boulter-led Team Great Britain will face Germany in the opening round of the prestigious event, with the winner advancing to meet defending champions Canada in the quarterfinals. The tournament will take place from 13th to 20th November in Malaga at the Palacio de Deported Jose Maria Martin Carpena.