'It's overrated': Nick Kyrgios on Emma Raducanu’s coaching conundrum

Nick Kyrgios has never been one to conform to the norms of professional tennis, and his coaching setup, or lack thereof, is no exception.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the Australian star offered an honest take on Emma Raducanu’s coaching carousel, empathising with the young Brit as she continues to search for stability following her meteoric rise to fame.

"For some personalities, I think it's overrated," Nick Kyrgios told talkSPORT when asked about the importance of coaches in tennis. "For personalities like myself, I wouldn't want to put my coach through the ups and downs.".

Raducanu, who has had her fair share of coaching struggles, has cycled through nine coaches in just four years. Since her stunning 2021 US Open triumph, the Brit has struggled to recapture her form and settle on a long-term coaching relationship.

Currently, she is playing the Eastbourne Open whilst working with two familiar faces: Mark Petchey, her childhood coach, and Nick Cavaday, who recently stepped back due to health reasons.

Kyrgios, who has famously gone coachless for years, did not endorse his approach for everyone. However, he did stress the importance of Raducanu surrounding herself with people who genuinely care about her.

"For someone like Emma, I think just finding someone that cares about her best interests — not only about the tennis — but getting to know these people off the court: what they love, what makes them tick. I think that's maybe what she's been missing in the past," he explained.

Kyrgios added by saying: "She needs someone that actually cares about her well-being. But, you know, winning a Grand Slam at 18 — it's not easy. It came with a lot of things on the court and off the court: a lot of responsibility, being in the spotlight.".

Since her Slam win, Raducanu’s coaching timeline has included Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson (who guided her to the US Open title), Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, and Vladimir Platenik, among others. Some of those partnerships lasted mere weeks.

Despite the upheaval, Kyrgios believes Raducanu is starting to rediscover joy in the game as he said, "She's had some good results over the last couple of weeks, I've been following. It looks like she's enjoying herself, playing doubles with Katie Boulter.".

The Australian said it was important to remember, "that tennis is fun — you know, that’s why they were playing. Every time I see negativity in the media and all this, I do feel sorry because it’s like — she just wants to go out on court and play and enjoy it and get some good results.".

He concluded by stating, "Hopefully she does find what works for her, but it’s not easy.".

As Wimbledon kicks off on Monday, June 30, Raducanu will hope her form and newfound support system can push her past the fourth round: a stage she’s yet to surpass at the All England Club.

With Kyrgios in her corner, at least in spirit, the message is clear: find the joy, and the rest may follow.