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Tennis legend Sue Barker has admitted that she was left shocked by Emma Raducanu's decisions in the aftermath of her 2021 US Open victory. The 22-year-old won the major as a teenager without dropping a set and became the first player of the modern era to win a Grand Slam title as a qualifier.

success captivated the sporting world, but only a few weeks later, she was looking for a new coach after choosing not to extend her agreement with Andrew Richardson. Earlier that year, Raducanu had hired Nigel Sears in April before switching to Richardson three months later. Despite her victory, their partnership only lasted until September. These coaching changes stunned Barker, who believed Richardson deserved a sizeable bonus from Raducanu rather than being forced to search for another job.

Writing in her book, , Barker said of Raducanu's unexpected coaching changes: "I admit I was as shocked as anyone after Wimbledon when I heard she had left her coach, the very experienced and respected Nigel Sears (Andy Murray's father-in-law), the man who had steered her through her astonishing Grand Slam breakthrough, but that isn't close to how astounded I was when she sacked Andrew Richardson, a former player turned coach who had helped Raducanu in her younger years and was brought in to guide her through her American tour culminating in her extraordinary US Open victory.

"How any player who goes through three qualifying rounds and seven main-draw matches without dropping a set to take the title in only their second Grand Slam can then sack their coach is beyond me. What more could he have possibly done?

"Andrew should have received a huge bonus not a P45! I wish she had added to her team, and not dismantled it, and remained loyal to a coach who made her dream come true."

Raducanu's career has not been straightforward since her US Open success, and injuries have also hindered her progress. However, in the first half of 2025, there have been some highlights for the 22-year-old.

She reached the Miami Open quarter-finals in March, her best-ever run at a WTA 1000 event, before losing to Jessica Pegula. Most recently, Raducanu reached the quarter-finals at Queen's, with the WTA Tour returning to the tournament for the first time since 1973.

As a result of her run at Queen's, Raducanu has for the first time in two years. On Monday, it was confirmed that Raducanu had moved up to No. 36 in the world rankings, rising above fellow British star Katie Boulter, who dropped five places to No. 39.

Raducanu could have more success on the horizon, as it has also been announced that she will team up with five-time Grand Slam winner in mixed doubles at the US Open. They are one of several high-profile duos in August and Alcaraz has with Raducanu.

"She's gonna be the boss," Alcaraz said. "Yeah, I mean, the US Open came to us and gave us opportunities to play mixed doubles. I'm super excited about it. I think it's going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament.

"Yeah, I've known Emma since a really long time ago, so we know each other. I have really good relationship with her. So it's just gonna be interesting. You know, obviously both, you know, we are gonna enjoy, for sure. I will try, you know, to put my doubles skill on it. We will try to win. But obviously it's going to be really, really fun."

However, Alcaraz explained that Raducanu did not rush to accept his offer. "Yeah. I mean, the [US Open] told us about the tournament, the mixed tournament," he continued. "I was thinking that I couldn't play better if it wasn't with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request."

"She took a while," Alcaraz laughed. "No, not that much, not that much. But obviously she had to ask, and she had to think a little bit. But it wasn't immediate, so..."