Written by Staff Writer
Emma Raducanu lost to Romania’s qualifier Dorcea Sekajade at the Liege Open
After a three-month search to replace the fired Florent Gerberg, his replacement, Torben Beltz, won his only match in his maiden tournament as head coach of one of tennis’ leading nations.
The 49-year-old, who won 14 titles as a player and 10 more as a coach, produced arguably his best performance as coach as Emma Raducanu went down 6-3, 6-3 in the opening round of the Liege Open in Belgium.
Former Austria national team captain Barbora Krejcikova withdrew from her match because of a family illness earlier in the day. Her place went to Saketh Myneni, who was eliminated by Austria’s Angelique Kerber, the world number one.
Beltz, who will be appointed permanent coach at the WTA’s highest level next year, admits that it’s a difficult job.
“For many people this is like a dream, it is a challenge to coach such a strong team like that in that country — it is a big honor and a great challenge,” he told CNN Sport ahead of the Liege Open.
“The players are always challenging themselves to be the best in the world, they want to be even better, and I am very happy to be part of that team, and to achieve even more success for Romania.”