Emma Raducanu has touched down in Perth for the United Cup, linking up with Team Great Britain as she gears up for her debut in the mixed-team event. Now, as the 23-year-old prepares to make her return to competitive tennis at the United Cup alongside Billy Harris on Australian soil, it looks like she’s embracing a high-risk new direction this time.

Along with continuing her professional partnership with coach Francisco Roig, the British No. 1 is also making a notable equipment change. According to reports, Raducanu has moved away from the Wilson Blade in favor of the Yonex E-Zone, a racket known for delivering more power, even if it sacrifices a bit of control.

For those who may not realize it, the world No. 29 has been swinging a Wilson Blade since her teenage years, with the iconic racket front and center during her unforgettable run to the 2021 US Open title.

That long-standing partnership has now come to a close, and while nothing has been officially announced, all signs point to the former US Open champion rolling into the 2026 season with a brand-new setup.

Interestingly, the Yonex E-Zone, known for its signature isometric head shape, offers a larger sweet spot and a more powerful feel, though that added pop can come at the expense of some control.

Understandably, the potential move has set tennis social media buzzing, especially with Yonex continuing to expand its footprint at the top of the game. Valued at more than $280 billion, the brand has become a major presence among elite players, and if Raducanu makes the switch official, she’d be joining a star-studded group that includes Naomi Osaka, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and others.

With these changes in place, she’s looking to continue her climb to the top, regaining momentum along the way. And former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski already believes a return to the top 20 is within reach, if she can build a stable team similar to the setup that has helped Aryna Sabalenka thrive.

Why Emma Raducanu needs a stronger mindset to return to the top

Last month, Greg Rusedski spoke to Express Sport about what he believes is still holding Emma Raducanu back. The former British No. 1 pointed to instability around her team as the biggest obstacle to consistent progress on tour.

Rusedski explained that Raducanu’s success depends heavily on health, managing expectations, and having the right people around her. He noted that frequent coaching changes have disrupted her momentum, stressing that “having a solid team” is essential for long-term growth.

He referenced the work done with Mark Petchey over the summer and the arrival of Francisco Roig, emphasizing that consistency matters more than constant change. According to Rusedski, success comes from “having that consistent person with you,” staying healthy, and keeping confidence moving forward.

Top Stories

Roger Federer Draws Criticism from Swiss Government Chief for Tourism Boom in Country

Stefanos Tsitsipas Considered Quitting Tennis After Major Personal Setback

45-Year-Old Venus Williams Receives 2026 Australian Open Wildcard Entry

Carlos Alcaraz Gets Harsh Reality Check After Father’s Reported Role in Juan Carlos Ferrero Split

Why Carlos Alcaraz Might Not Win the Australian Open in 2026?

Rusedski also believes Raducanu’s 2021 US Open win altered the course of her career overnight. Winning a Grand Slam, he said, is “one of the hardest things to do,” and afterward, everything around her changed, including a run of multiple coaching switches.

And because of that, Rusedski urged the 23-year-old to mentally move on from the US Open triumph. He suggested she treat it “like it doesn’t even exist,” focusing instead on rebuilding with the right structure and mindset.

He further pointed to players like Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka as examples of how long-term team stability fuels sustained success at the top of the sport. Now, Emma Raducanu appears to be embracing that approach.

She has committed to working with Francisco Roig through 2026, added Emma Stewart as her physiotherapist and strength coach, and continues to work with Jerome Poupel. So, with preseason training underway in Barcelona and a new racket signaling a fresh start, Emma Rusedski believes a major comeback in 2026 is well within reach.