Emma Radukanu has found hard-working fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura the perfect fit for her traveling team, but admits she’s a “black cat” who still likes her own space.
The former US Open champion has deliberately kept her entourage small, but late last year added Nakamura to a core unit that also includes coach Nick Kawadei.
Nakamura is well-respected in tennis and has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, who this week described her as a “really nice person” who likes selfies and sushi.
She and Radukanu have already spent many hours together, with the 22-year-old keen to avoid the injuries that have affected her career so far and reach her athletic potential.
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Radukanu reveals he refused to use antiseptic spray on the bite because he feared he was contaminated with a banned substance
“It’s important that everyone comes together well,” said Raducanu, who begins her Australian Open campaign against 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Tuesday.
“You spend so much time with the people you work with that of course it’s important to have a good relationship and keep it going.
“I think where Yutaka and I are very similar, we are very dedicated and, even with our long days, we always stay motivated, we motivate each other and feed off the energy, which is great to have because a lot of people are not so faithful that from 8 am to 8 pm, over and over again, you still end up with the same attitude and mindset.
“It was really good for me and permanent and someone who was really reliable.”
Relationships with teammates on and off the field are often critical to a player’s success, and Radukanu is concerned with finding the right balance.
“I’m someone who likes my own space, too,” he said. “I’m a bit of a black cat, some would describe me that way.
“During the day, when you’re on site or training, you’re literally with them all the time. But I think it’s important that I go for a walk alone in the morning, go for a coffee by myself or go for a walk in the evening, I seem to walk a lot.”
Robson: Nakamura is a good choice
Fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura (front center) previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka
Former British No.1 Laura Robson believes Radukanu has made a smart choice, saying: “Yutakan is a great guy, I like him very much.
“Obviously I know him from being with Maria, but even after that he was based at IMG where I trained in Florida and I would see him working with all the other players.
“He’s just got a lot of experience. He’s an underrated character as well. From what I’ve seen, he’s going to be a great addition.
“It’s something he’s wanted to do for years, but you’re looking for the right person, you’re looking for someone who’s going to fit in really well with the team, and that’s the case here. I think they’re going to continue for quite a while time”.
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Laura Robson and Tim Henman discuss the impact of Radukanu’s new fitness coach and how it could improve his fitness
Radukanu. It’s hard for me to give everything to the company
Radukanu has made friends with other players, but he admits some obstacles still remain
Radukanu looked lonely as he tried to break into the tour following his US Open triumph, but three years on he seems happier and more relaxed.
Radukanu clearly enjoyed being part of Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team last year and has formed friendships with other players, but he admits some obstacles remain.
“I’ve got some friends on tour who are really nice and great to hang out with on weekends or afternoons on weekends or have lunch together,” he said.
“But it’s also very hard to get too close to them when you’re competing with them. I’m someone who gives everything to my friends, so it’s hard for me to give everything to the company and then play on them.
“I think there’s always going to be a bit of a barrier in some ways, but I get on pretty well with most of the girls.”
What’s next on Sky Sports Tennis?
- ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Open 13 Provence (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
- Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – February 3-8
- Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – February 9-15
- Dubai Free Tennis Championship (WTA 1000) – February 16-22
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