Emma Raducanu has quietly expanded her support team ahead of the 2026 season, with British outlets reporting that the world No. 29 has brought physio Emma Stewart on board. The move adds another layer to Raducanu’s ongoing effort to rebuild and fortify her team—an effort that has drawn attention not only for its ambition, but also for its timing.
When preparing for the 2025 campaign, Raducanu made it clear she intended to emerge physically stronger than ever. Her words were backed by action: she began working with renowned fitness expert Yutaka Nakamura, best known for his long-standing collaboration with Maria Sharapova. Under Nakamura’s supervision, Raducanu showed visible signs of improvement, from increased durability in long rallies to a more stable base in pressure moments. Yet their partnership unexpectedly came to a halt midway through 2025, leaving observers wondering what prompted the split.
Now, in what seems like a strategic—and perhaps telling—adjustment, Raducanu has filled that gap with Stewart. The physio comes with a notable résumé: not only has she assisted several players on the WTA and ATP Tours, but she has also stepped beyond tennis, earning acclaim for her work with the British men’s rowing team. Her involvement in one of the country’s most demanding disciplines has given her a reputation for precision and toughness, qualities Raducanu appears keen to tap into as she eyes a fresh start.
These staffing decisions come on the heels of another headline-making development. Back in August, Raducanu made waves across the tennis world by bringing in Francisco Roig—Rafael Nadal’s former coach of 17 years. The partnership instantly sparked speculation. Was it simply a bold step to elevate her level, or something deeper, a sign that she was reconstructing her entire blueprint behind closed doors?
Raducanu herself gave a carefully measured explanation. At 23, she insisted that her intention was straightforward: she wanted to reach a stage where she could consistently threaten the sport’s elite. “He’s obviously got a bank of experience, and I’m very excited to continue working with him and to have him on my side,” she said shortly after the news broke. She added that her main goal was to refine the quality of her shots—an area she admitted needed significant improvement if she hoped to challenge the very top players. Her comments reflected ambition and patience, though some couldn’t help but wonder whether her swift series of hires hinted at a more complex overhaul.
The end of Raducanu’s 2025 season only deepened the curiosity. The world No. 29 closed out her year earlier than expected after battling illness and a handful of lingering injuries. Her abrupt withdrawal in mid-October left fans concerned and analysts speculating about the state of her long-term conditioning. She then disappeared from the tour for a brief period, taking time away from the spotlight to rest, recalibrate, and—perhaps—reassess the direction of her career.
With the arrival of Stewart, Raducanu seems prepared to address those concerns head-on. The addition of a new physio suggests that the Briton is not leaving her fitness or recovery to chance. It also signals that she is determined to enter 2026 in the best possible shape, particularly after her inconsistent physical form throughout the previous season. And when considered alongside the presence of Roig—whose reputation for discipline and intensity is well known—her updated team appears unusually structured, almost as though every role has been chosen with a specific long-game vision in mind.
As she prepares for the new year, Raducanu’s camp now looks more fortified, more specialized, and more deliberate than at any point since her US Open breakthrough in 2021. Whether all these changes are simply part of a natural evolution or the result of deeper strategic recalculations remains a matter of speculation. But one thing is certain: with a revamped team at her side and a renewed focus on physical resilience, Raducanu is gearing up to enter 2026 with a level of preparation—and perhaps guarded intent—that has already begun to raise questions
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