Dmitry Tursunov stated that he opted not to continue teaching former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu after a trial period because they could not agree on terms and there were “red lights” he could not ignore.
Since winning the US Open in 2021, Raducanu has plummeted to 76th in the WTA rankings.
Since breaking with German Torben Beltz in April, the 19-year-old Briton has been without a full-time coach and has spent some time this year working with Tursunov. After their trial period, the Russian quit Raducanu’s camp and is now coaching Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.
“I was leaving Emma regardless of whether or not there was another [player] available. We did not agree on the terms, and there were red signals that could not be ignored,” he said in an interview published on tennismajors.com on Wednesday. “Our trial period at the US Open had concluded, but I remained to see if there was a chance to impress the squad.
“She’s fantastic, she’s a diligent worker, and she doesn’t think or act like a celebrity… It was difficult for me to part ways with a player I admire and respect.”
To be safe, I’d say she’s a two-and-a-half-year undertaking. It’s difficult to say, and it’s difficult for people to comprehend because she has already won the US Open. In contrast, I find her game to be immature and in many aspects in need of significant work.
Management of Raducanu did not react promptly to a request for comment. Raducanu, who withdrew from the Transylvania Open this month due to a wrist injury, is slated to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup finals the following month.
