“She’s Not Listening to Me!”: Raducanu’s Coach Storms Off After US Open Clash

The US Open 2025 has delivered no shortage of drama, but the fireworks weren’t limited to the court. Following Emma Raducanu’s third-round match, a heated exchange between the young tennis star and her coach, James Carter, has sparked headlines. Witnesses report that Carter, visibly frustrated, stormed off the practice court early, snapping, “She’s not listening to me!” His outburst came after Raducanu reportedly ignored his carefully crafted tactics, opting instead to play by instinct during her match.

A Clash of Instinct and Strategy

Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has always been known for her bold, instinctive style—a trait that propelled her to global stardom as a teenager. However, this approach appears to have caused friction with Carter, who was hired to bring structure and discipline to her game. Sources close to the team reveal that Carter had devised a specific game plan for Raducanu’s third-round opponent, emphasizing controlled aggression and targeted shot placement. But Raducanu, true to form, abandoned the strategy mid-match, relying on her gut to dictate her play.

“She was supposed to stick to the plan—keep the rallies short, target the opponent’s backhand,” a member of the coaching staff revealed anonymously. “Instead, she went for flashy winners and improvised shots that weren’t part of the playbook. James was furious.”

The Cold Response That Silenced the Coach

As Carter vented his frustrations while leaving the practice court, Raducanu, who overheard his remarks, didn’t let the moment pass. Witnesses describe a tense scene as the 22-year-old star turned to face her coach, delivering a response so cold it left Carter momentarily speechless. While the exact words remain undisclosed, sources say Raducanu’s retort was calm, cutting, and laced with confidence, underscoring her belief in her own decision-making on the court.

“It was like she flipped a switch,” said a bystander. “One moment, James is ranting, and the next, Emma shuts him down with a single sentence. You could feel the air shift.”

A Growing Divide?

This public spat has fueled speculation about the state of Raducanu’s relationship with her coach. Since her meteoric rise in 2021, Raducanu has cycled through multiple coaches, each struggling to balance her raw talent with the demands of professional tennis. Carter, a seasoned coach known for his tactical acumen, was brought on board to help Raducanu navigate the pressures of the WTA tour and reclaim her spot among the elite. However, this incident suggests a deeper tension between the player’s instincts and her coach’s vision.

Tennis analysts have mixed opinions on the situation. “Emma’s greatest strength is her ability to adapt and trust her instincts under pressure,” said former player and commentator Laura Evans. “But at this level, you need a game plan. If she’s dismissing her coach’s input entirely, it could be a problem down the line.”

Others argue that Raducanu’s unorthodox approach is what makes her special. “She’s not a cookie-cutter player,” said sports journalist Mark Thompson. “Her unpredictability is her edge. If Carter can’t handle that, maybe he’s not the right fit.”

What’s Next for Raducanu?

Despite the drama, Raducanu’s performance at the US Open has shown flashes of brilliance. Her third-round match, while not tactically perfect, demonstrated her resilience and ability to compete against top-tier opponents. As she progresses in the tournament, all eyes will be on whether she and Carter can mend their working relationship or if this clash marks the beginning of yet another coaching change.

For now, Raducanu remains focused on her game, shrugging off the controversy with her characteristic poise. “I play my way,” she said in a post-match interview, offering no further comment on the incident. Meanwhile, Carter has remained tight-lipped, leaving fans and pundits to speculate about what happens next in this high-stakes partnership.

As the US Open continues, one thing is clear: Emma Raducanu’s journey is as compelling off the court as it is on it.