Emma Raducanu talks new coach Torben Beltz, Angelique Kerber plans shake-up

The 18-year-old from Great Britain confirmed rumors in the British press following her first-round defeat at Linz, where she experienced a hip injury. It is her final event of the season, and the new Grand Slam champion now plans to work with Beltz during her offseason training.

"I’m feeling excited about all the work that is to come," Raducanu told press. "I think he brings a lot of experience. Obviously, he’s worked with Kerber, who’s such a great player.

"I think that experience definitely helps with someone as inexperienced as me."

Raducanu had emphasized that she was looking for an experienced coach when she split with Andrew Richardson, who helped the teenager to a surprise win at the US Open. Beltz coached Kerber from 2004 to 2012 and again from 2014 to 2017, when the German won three Grand Slams and reached No. 1 in the rankings, then rejoining her team in 2020.

Advertising

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Emma (@emmaraducanu)

Raducanu also said she had formed a good connection with Beltz, adding, ''He can help guide me through, which I feel really confident about, and also he’s a really positive, cheerful guy who brings great energy to the team so I think that’s also important when you’re traveling on the road."

Kerber has not announced a new coach, but said she's looking for a fresh approach following a resurgent season in which she again won a WTA title and reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, having not got that far at a Grand Slam since 2018.

"The next step will be to pick up where I left off this year," she told sponsor Porsche in an interview, adding, "Once Torben has left the team, I want to take on more responsibility."

The season she's had is giving her more motivation to keep playing.

"I can still win against the best in the world," she said.

Kerber is No.17 in the rankings.