Emma Raducanu’s Coach Responds to Iga Swiatek’s Recent Withdrawals and Upcoming Coaching Rule Change

Emma Raducanu’s Coach Responds to Iga Swiatek’s Recent Withdrawals and Upcoming Coaching Rule Change

Emma Raducanu’s coach, Nick Cavaday, has shared his thoughts on the new coaching rule set to be introduced in 2025 and commented on Iga Swiatek’s recent withdrawals from two major tournaments.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) recently announced that starting in 2025, coaches will be allowed to provide guidance to players during matches, either through verbal communication or hand signals. The change aims to make tennis “fairer and potentially more entertaining,” though reactions from the tennis community have been mixed. Cavaday, however, sees the new rule as a positive development for the sport, believing it could enhance the overall game.

Cavaday’s comments also touched on Swiatek’s recent decision to withdraw from WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan, which contributed to her losing her world number two ranking to Aryna Sabalenka. The 23-year-old Polish star missed these tournaments after parting ways with her coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski.

On the ‘Tennish’ podcast, Sky Sports presenter Gigi Salmon and commentator Naomi Cavaday discussed Swiatek’s absence. Naomi initially disagreed with Swiatek’s choice to miss the events but later reconsidered after a conversation with her brother, Nick. He explained that he understood Swiatek’s decision, acknowledging the importance of having a coach, especially during crucial events, and the challenges of competing without one.

Cavaday’s perspective sheds light on the complexities players face when transitioning between coaching relationships, and how such changes can impact a player’s decision-making during the season.