Raducanu flying solo

EMMA RADUCANU says she is “optimistic” about having a new coach in place ahead of next year’s Australian Open, but believes the experience of working without one for the time being will prove beneficial in the long run.

Raducanu (right) has opted to travel to the Transylvania Open in Romania without an interim coach in place as she continues her search for a longterm successor to Andrew Richardson following their split after her sensational US Open triumph. The 18-yearold returned to action at Indian Wells a fortnight ago without a coach but was beaten in her first match since her Flushing Meadows triumph. However, she is in no rush to appoint a permanent successor as she prepares to play Slovenian Polona Hercog in the first round tomorrow. “I think having a coach is great,” she said. “But once again you are on your own on the court. I don’t think it is great to be dependant. You need to coach yourself. That is something I am learning. Part of the experience I am having is being able to learn to coach myself.”