Emma Raducanu told it was ‘clear’ Tursunov partnership would fail

Emma Raducanu has been told that it was “clear” her partnership with Dmitry Tursunov would never work in the long term after the pair parted ways last week. The Russian has already moved on as he is now coaching Belinda Bencic, with Tursunov’s countryman claiming that the Olympic gold medallist was a better fit for him.

Raducanu parted ways with her fourth coach in 14 months last week as she and Tursunov announced they were no longer working together. The pair teamed up in August for the North American hard-court swing, and looked to be a good fit, but it was reported that the retired former ATP No 20 was the one who chose to walk away despite the Brit’s reputation for axing her coaches.

And Tursunov has quickly moved on as he has been working with Bencic this week at the Guadalajara Open. He was spotted with the world No 14 last week ahead of the tournament and guided her to the second-round of the final WTA 1000 event of the year, with the Swiss star beating Leylah Fernandez in the first round but losing to Sloane Stephens in the second.

Another former Russian pro has now opened up on Tursunov’s split with Raducanu, claiming it was obvious that their coaching relationship wouldn’t work. “It was clear that there could be no long-term cooperation with Raducanu,” Andrei Chesnokov told TASS.

JUST IN: Tsitsipas discusses new mentality after ‘worst career performance’

“Winning the US Open turned her head. She changed a bunch of trainers after,” he added, referring to the world No 70’s decision to axe Andrew Richardson just two weeks after her unprecedented US Open title win last year before splitting with Torben Beltz back in April after half a year together.

The former world No 9 also thought that Bencic was better suited to Tursunov as the more established player, with the WTA coach previously working with the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Anett Kontaveit, who both reached career-highs of No 2 in the world. Chesnokov continued: “As for the cooperation between Tursunov and Bencic, Bencic is already an accomplished tennis player.

“And Tursunov has been an ATP player for more than ten years, he has a huge store of knowledge, he works well with girls, so he is chosen. He has made a name for himself as a coach. Let’s see what will come of it.”

DON’T MISS
Nadal, Djokovic and co to play for most prize money in tennis history
Williams drops biggest retirement U-turn hint yet with return teased
ATP Napoli Cup chaos continues as fans protest after suspensions