Emma Raducanu’s first week without Francisco Roig must be considered a success, despite the manner of her loss on Saturday.
After all, she strung together four straight wins for the first time since she reached the quarter-finals in Miami last year.
It also marked her first final since the 2021 US Open, yet people have rushed to ridicule the British number one for losing so heavily in a 250-level event.
Fortunately, she seems unbothered by any outside noise, instead concentrating on moving forward with her new coach, Alexis Canter.
Emma Raducanu rates her week after losing in the Transylvania Open final
Emma Raducanu has said how long she plans to stay with this new coach already, but has yet to explain exactly what it is they have been working on in such a short time together.
That was, until she spoke to Sky Sports after the final, revealing the nature of their relationship and what she hopes to achieve alongside Canter.
Who should be Emma Raducanu’s next coach?
She claimed: “He’s been helping me, hitting with me, and he’s been around me through various different stages, very different game styles, and trying to just bring me back to myself – my game identity – playing in the way I want to.
“I think this week was a good step in that direction. I’m really happy with how the week’s gone. I don’t know what I’ll be doing moving forward, but for now, this is working.
“I think it’s mainly about finding my style on the court, putting my imprint on it, and just letting it come from within.
“I would say that I’m happier, but there’s still a long way to go – definitely steps in the right direction. I can’t go from zero to 100 straight away.”
Emma Raducanu’s week was full of positives
Despite the heavy nature of her defeat in the final, this was still a week of overwhelming positivity for the British number one.
Even Andy Murray’s former coach praised Raducanu after that 6-0, 6-2 loss, pleased with what he had seen over the course of an entire week’s work rather than just one tough day at the office.
Emma Raducanu won her first Grand Slam too soon – Prove me wrong!
She did not have to overcome any huge names, but showcased remarkable solidity throughout, brushing aside lesser-known opponents with minimal fuss.
That alone deserves credit.
Then, when she faced real adversity in the semi-finals against Oleksandra Oliynykova, who was happy to extend the rallies with high, looping shots, Raducanu dug deep to overcome the Ukrainian in an almost three-hour battle.
These past few days should be celebrated, rather than ridiculed based on one poor result.
