Emma Raducanu has found some form in getting to the final at the HSBC Queens's Club Championships. After getting through a plethora of coaches having dumped the coach that helped her win the 2021 US Open she is now back with that coach, Andrew Richardson.
By the way I blame her father for the initial dumping of Richardson after the 2021 US Open. A bad mistake. A lot of commentators would agree with that assessment. Some think that is was a mistake that put her in the doldrums for five years after that great success.
And as mentioned she is, it seems, doing much better already. She was close to winning the final at Queen's. It was a very tight second set which she lost in a tie break. Due credit to Donna Vekic who played very well.
As runner up she had the opportunity to make a short speech. The usual format is to thank your coach and 'team'. This was an opportunity for Emma to specifically thank Andrew for helping her get to the final in a clear sign of improved form. And what happened?
Not a mention of her team. Not a mention of Andrew Richardson who clearly deserved praise. It is working. She turned to him throughout the match for encouragement as she does. She needs this kind of emotional support as she is quite fragile emotionally I feel. Donna did it all on her own, never seeking advice from her coach.
Yes, she did thank people generally and specifically the organisers of the tournament but that was it. I am very surprised actually. It shows a lack of respect for her coach as he is the linchpin of her team.
Anyway I guess we can forgive Emma for the omission in her speech but what an omission. Just at the time when Andrew deserved a special mention.
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