French Open 2026: Emma Raducanu on trust in rehired coach Andrew Richardson

Since that unforgettable US Open run, Raducanu has shown she plays better when surrounded by long-time confidants who she trusts implicitly.

It is natural that the carousel nature of her coaching choices – burning through several full-time coaches, as well as a series of ad hoc guidance – has swung back to almost the very start.

Raducanu’s demeanour at Roland Garros has been markedly different to the tense, tight figure we saw at a dispiriting Australian Open.

During a practice session with fellow Briton Francesca Jones, she hit with the focus and intensity many feel she has been lacking.

Richardson is an old-school coach who brings volume to create good habits – basically, hitting plenty of balls and putting in the hard yards.

Known as a ‘gentle giant’, Raducanu says Richardson also has a fiery side that ignites the competitive spark in her.

His messaging during practice sessions might be sparse, but the targeted input has an impact with a player who likes to be challenged by her coaches.

Richardson also brings a lighter touch, with Raducanu’s relaxed and jovial in a pre-tournament chat with British journalists.

Proof of her progress will be in the pudding when she takes to the court against Argentina’s Sierra.