Why Emma Raducanu is in her best form after the US Open

Her service technique is ongoing and changes from week to week. Or at least it was. Since the beginning of April, repairs with experienced doubles coach Louis Cayer – who also resigned Andy Murray’s serve in 2016 – have improved the course of the movement. The result is more punch, more accuracy and more confidence.

“I definitely think he added a great insight,” Raducanu of Cayer said. “I feel like he’s obviously a very acclaimed coach in the UK and he has a huge amount of experience, so picking up my brain a little bit was really great for me.

“When my service percentage was low and also slow. I ran a lot and went down in very long rallies. Then the match becomes more and more physical. I really need to step up my first serve. “

The Telegraph Sport understands that Raducanu has asked Cayer to take part in straw tournaments with her this summer – specifically at the French Open and Wimbledon. Unfortunately, his priorities are still with his protégés in doubles: world No. 1 Joe Salisbury and fast-growing Liverpool player Neal Skupski. Consequently, he is described as Raducanu’s “technical advisor” and not as her coach.

Asked if she intends to consult with Cayer more regularly in the coming weeks, she told Raducano: “Who knows? I mean, he’s from the tennis association on the grass, so it would be nice if he could get involved from time to time. “

The stars are aligning again

Raducanu’s revival is still in its early stages and could easily hit Kalinin on Tuesday. But obviously the opportunity is here at the Mutua Madrid Open, which is Europe’s biggest WTA event.

Could the stars align in the same way as in New York? There are at least three reasons to rejoice.

First, the draw opened nicely, with Raducanu – the ninth seed – now the highest-ranked player in the top half. Secondly, the 700 m above sea level of Madrid means that the playgrounds play fast, which she likes. Finally, for the first time since last summer, it comes from a healthy set of matches.