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Raducanu’s decision to link up with experienced coach Torben Beltz criticised by former world No1 Mats Wilander

EMMA RADUCANU’s decision to appoint an experienced coach for next year has been questioned by a former world No.1.

The Brit, 19, has been jet-skiing and relaxing on her first proper holiday for seven years.

Raducanu split from former coach Andrew Richardson after her US Open victory

On Sunday, she will play an exhibition match at the Royal Albert Hall in London, her first appearance on English soil since winning the US Open in September.

Soon she will hunker down to serious physical training with new coach Torben Beltz, who worked with multiple Slam champion Angelique Kerber.

The South Londoner has a permanent man in her corner since splitting with Andrew Richardson after the remarkable New York triumph.

But respected Eurosport commentator Mats Wilander is wary of her having a new voice in her head.


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Sweden’s seven-time major winner said: “Young players need to play the way they want to play.

“They need to find out how good they are, and they need to ride the wave of youth and confidence – before you start hiring coaches that have helped players to win Grand Slams.

“She needs to have fun, she needs to be allowed to do what she wants to do off and on the tennis court. And she needs to develop in her own time and not to force coaches on her.

“I just feel it’s unnecessary to take coaches that have experience when you are dealing with an 18-year-old who is fresh, who is so full of life.

“We’ve got to let these kids grow up before you try to shape them.

“Otherwise, there is a very, very big chance that people are going to be what stops Emma from developing into a great player.

“They need to grow up in their own time and with Emma Raducanu, I’m sorry, but it’s not a good idea to have too many voices in her head.

“The only voice she needs to listen to is her own.”