Coaching issues and trouble against big-hitters, Agnieszka Radwanska’s slump is not surprising

Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland is having a tough go of things so far in 2015. Dan Himbrechts / EPA

In recent times, as the tennis world has been busy talking about Rafael Nadal’s shaky throne and Eugenie Bouchard’s sophomore slump, few have noticed Agnieszka Radwanska’s slide down the rankings.

Starting the year at No 6, the Pole has slipped to No 9 and has yet to make a final in 2015, her best showing being the semi-final at her home tournament in Katowice.

The 26 year old, who made it to the final at Wimbledon in 2012 and climbed as high as No 2 in the rankings, has been a dud at the bigger events this season, losing to Venus Williams in the fourth round at the Australian Open, Heather Watson in the third round at Indian Wells and Carlos Suarez Navarro at Miami in the fourth round.

Radwanska is 12-8 for the year in Tour matches and 1-6 against fellow top-10 players over the past 52 weeks, which the lowest-winning percentage for a top 10 against their peers.

So the rot is not new, though she has won every WTA Fan Favourite Singles Player of the Year award since 2011.

Sensing her own troubles, the Pole had added Martina Navratilova to her coaching team, but the American legend has now decided to step aside, citing her inability to give the required time.

Radwanska’s regular full-time coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, is on shaky grounds as well after being criticised by Radwanska’s father and former coach, Robert, last week.

This circus around her could probably be affecting Radwanska’s game, but the truth is her career has been on the southern route for some time.

A truly graceful and gifted player, Radwanska has never been very comfortable against the heavy hitters. It is only going to get more challenging from hereon.

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