Emma Raducanu has made significant changes to her support team ahead of the 2026 season as she looks to build on the progress made throughout 2025. The British No. 1 is preparing for the new year with a fresh approach to her fitness and injury management. After dealing with multiple physical setbacks during the latter part of her 2025 campaign, Raducanu has brought in a new physiotherapist who previously assisted her during a troubling period of her career.
Emma Raducanu’s Words on Her New Physiotherapist Emma Stewart
Raducanu’s 2025 season came to a premature end at the Ningbo Open in October, where she fell to local wild card Zhu Lin 6-3, 4-6, 1-6 in the first round. During the match, she required medical attention on more than one occasion, including treatment for ongoing back complications that have plagued her throughout her career.
The tournament exit came just a week after she was forced to retire from the Wuhan Open due to dizziness, prompting her to withdraw from additional events scheduled in Tokyo and Hong Kong for the remainder of the Asian swing.
In response to these challenges, Raducanu has now appointed Emma Stewart as her new physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach heading into 2026. Stewart is a former WTA physiotherapist who subsequently worked with the Team GB Olympic rowing programme.
The two previously crossed paths during a significant moment in Raducanu’s career when the British player was battling physical issues at the 2022 Madrid Open, where she required medical support during her match against Anhelina Kalinina. Raducanu expressed her confidence in Stewart’s expertise and their prior working relationship.
“I did some work with her in Madrid in 2022, and I always remembered she really helped me with my back at the time,” Raducanu said in discussing her new appointment. The British star also highlighted the unique advantage that Stewart brings from her rowing background.
“In rowing, you see a lot of hips and backs […] she knows how to treat it, it’s very helpful. Certain flare-ups that I’ve had, she’s helped me with,” Raducanu explained.
Stewart brings considerable experience to the role, having spent time on the WTA Tour before transitioning to British Rowing ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. She was instrumental in the Team GB rowing programme during the Paris Games, where the squad claimed eight medals.
Raducanu Looking to Maintain Momentum Heading into 2026 Season
Despite the challenging ending, Raducanu enjoyed one of her most consistent seasons in 2025. The 23-year-old completed 50 matches in a single year for the first time in her career, compiling a 28-22 win-loss record across 22 tournaments.
Her season contained several notable achievements, including reaching the semi-finals of the Citi Open in Washington and the quarter-finals of both the Miami Open, her best result at a WTA 1000 event, and the HSBC Championships in London.
Raducanu’s consistent Grand Slam performances, combined with her strong form at other tournaments, helped her finish the year ranked No. 29 in the world, her best year-end ranking since 2022, and secured her status as British No. 1.
During her time away from competition, Raducanu focused on light training at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in London while also attending England’s rugby union match against New Zealand at Twickenham as a guest of head coach Steve Borthwick. She celebrated her 23rd birthday on November 13 with friends and family and recently spent time observing the England rugby training camp.
Raducanu has begun an extended pre-season training block in Barcelona with her coach Francisco Roig, whose contract has been extended into 2026 following his appointment in August. The Brit will officially begin her 2026 season at the United Cup team competition in Perth in early January, where she will represent Great Britain alongside British No. 1 Jack Draper.