Emma Raducanu trials Jo Konta’s ex-coach Esteban Carril as Brit tennis sensation looks to nail down full-time trainer
EMMA RADUCANU is trialling Jo Konta’s ex-coach as she looks to nail down a full-time trainer.
Raducanu, 18, has not got a dedicated mentor at the moment after axing Andrew Richardson days after winning the US Open.
Richardson himself only came in after she got rid of Nigel Sears following her run to the fourth round at Wimbledon as dad Ian oversaw another overhaul in her box – just as he has done throughout her tennis days.
The teenager put out a public request for coaches to come forward following her early exit from Indian Wells.
And now it is understood Esteban Carril is working with the teenager on a temporary basis.
According to BBC Sport, Carril, 44, is training with Raducanu in London before they head to her dad Ian’s homeland for the Transylvania Open in Romania.
Raducanu was due to play the Kremlin Cup in Moscow but pulled out of the tournament last Thursday because of a ‘schedule change’.
If the partnership is successful, Carril could be appointed on a permanent basis – although the Raducanu family may wish to test out other options before making a commitment ahead of the new season.
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The Spaniard enjoyed a decent playing career, breaking into the top 500 in singles.
Since then, he has forged a strong reputation within coaching, especially on British shores with his work at the LTA.
He was part of Konta’s team for two-and-a-half years, helping her break into the world’s top ten as she was named most improved player of 2016.
But just weeks later, the three-time Grand Slam semi-finalist cut ties with Carril, who has since aided Katie Swan and Jay Clarke.
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Ironically, Carril impacted Raducanu’s game in July 2020.
Ex-British No1 Mark Petchey told The Telegraph: “Emma was going out to play a British Tour match and she said to me, ‘I can’t hit a kick serve.’
“I didn’t want to address it until after the match, but it was because her technique needed a rejig.
“I had some help on that from Esteban Carril and now it’s looking a nice, smooth, technically correct motion.”
It was reported earlier this week Raducanu was having trouble finding a new coach – because prospective successful applicants are demanding too much money.
With the role as Raducanu’s coach now being one of the most scrutinised roles in women’s tennis, the Daily Mail stated potential replacements for Richardson are after big money.
The likes of Argentinian Carlos Rodriguez and Australian Darren Cahill have also been linked with the vacant post.