Maria Sharapova's former coach next in line for Emma Raducanu - Reports
Emma Raducanu's recent split with coach Torben Beltz has got the rumor mills running, with a few reports suggesting that the Brit could next seek the services of Ricardo Piatti.
Piatti, of course, has coached Novak Djokovic in the past while also training the likes of Maria Sharapova, Ivan Ljubicic, Borna Coric, Richard Gasquet, Milos Raonic and until recently, Jannik Sinner.
Raducanu split with Beltz after a mere five months together. The German was the third coach the Brit parted ways with inside a year. She had earlier split with Nigel Sears and Andrew Richardson, who guided her to her historic US Open win last year.
The teenager currently owns an underwhelming 5-7 win-loss record in 2022 and was visibly disappointed with herself after her early exit from Miami last month. It was reported that she then traveled to Italy to prepare for the clay swing.
More interestingly, Raducanu trained at Riccardo Piatti's academy in Bordighera under the coach's watchful eyes. It was then speculated that Piatti could become an addition to Raducanu's coaching team and guide her along with Beltz.
However, after the German's dismissal, media reports reckon Piatti is the favorite to become the Brit's next head coach. Having said that, everything is still speculation at this point, and it is likely the US Open champion will not rush to a decision.
Piatti worked with Sharapova towards the closing stages of the Russian's career in 2019. He coached Djokovic from 2005 to 2006 but could not continue the partnership as the Serb wanted him to switch to a full-time role, which the Italian could not commit to.
"I want to thank Torben for his coaching, professionalism, and dedication over the last half a year" - Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu has released a statement after parting ways with Torben Beltz, thanking the latter for his service. She also heaped praise on the German for his professionalism.
"I want to thank Torben for his coaching, professionalism and dedication over the last half a year," the BBC quoted her as saying in the statement. "He has a huge heart and I have enjoyed our strong chemistry during the time together."
The teenager confirmed that Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) would support her while she made the transition to a "new training model."