Raducanu’s Ace Up Her Sleeve: Petchey Tweaks Key Shot

Emma Raducanu’s partnership with coach Mark Petchey, while still “informal,” is already showing tangible results. A subtle but significant change has been made to her service motion, potentially unlocking more power and disguise. Let’s delve into this adjustment and explore the potential impact of this renewed collaboration.

The Raducanu-Petchey Reunion: A Promising Sign?

After a period of coaching changes and fluctuating results, Emma Raducanu has reunited with Mark Petchey, a familiar face from her past. Petchey previously worked with Raducanu before her remarkable 2021 US Open triumph. This reunion, which started on an “informal” basis, has seen Petchey in her box during the Miami Open and Madrid Open. While the partnership remains unconfirmed in the long term, signs suggest that Petchey’s influence is already making a positive difference.

An Informal Arrangement Yielding Tangible Results

Raducanu herself has acknowledged the benefits of working with Petchey, highlighting the comfort and trust she feels due to their existing relationship. “We haven’t made anything formal. It’s pretty informal for now but is something that’s going really well,” she stated. This relaxed approach appears to be suiting Raducanu, allowing her to focus on her game without the pressure of a rigid coaching structure.

Shoulder Turn: The Secret to Raducanu’s Evolving Serve?

According to former world No. 1 Jim Courier, who works alongside Petchey as a commentator, a key adjustment has already been implemented: a change to Raducanu’s service motion. “What I do know already is he’s already changed her service motion by adding more shoulder turn there which is the idea is to try and give her a little bit more disguise and a little more power,” Courier revealed.

Disguise and Power: The Benefits of Shoulder Turn

Adding more shoulder turn to a service motion can provide several advantages:

• Increased Power: A greater shoulder turn allows for a fuller rotation of the body, generating more torque and ultimately leading to a more powerful serve.
• Improved Disguise: By varying the amount of shoulder turn, a player can create different angles and trajectories on their serve, making it harder for opponents to anticipate the direction of the ball.
• Enhanced Consistency: For some players, a more fluid and natural motion that incorporates a greater shoulder turn can improve consistency and reduce the risk of injury.

A Net Positive: The Potential for Long-Term Growth

Courier believes that Petchey’s influence will be a “net positive” for Raducanu. Their prior history and existing rapport should provide a stable and supportive environment. “Relying on someone that she knew before it happened is really important, so I don’t know how long it can last, but frankly, the fact that they’re spending time together right now is really important,” Courier noted.

Grass Court Focus: Building Towards Wimbledon

Courier hopes the partnership will extend through the grass court season, recognizing that this surface aligns well with Raducanu’s game. “Grass is a surface where she first surfaced, she made the round 16 before she won the US Open at Wimbledon so for me, it’s about the building blocks for the grass court season,” he said.

Raducanu’s Coaching Carousel: A Quest for Stability

Raducanu’s career has been marked by frequent coaching changes. This instability has drawn criticism. Raducanu has expressed her desire for a more consistent and trusting relationship with her coach. “It’s never really been my interest or philosophy to chop and change coaches. I’ve never really wanted that. I’m a very loyal person, whether that’s with my tennis or off the court,” she said.

Petchey: A Familiar and Trusted Voice

Petchey’s previous experience with Raducanu could be the key to providing the stability she seeks. Their history allows for a deeper understanding of her game and personality, fostering a more effective coaching relationship.

Raducanu’s Madrid Open: A Promising Start

Raducanu’s recent performance at the Madrid Open has been encouraging. She secured her first clay court victory since 2022, defeating Suzan Lamens. “I know I had to play really well to win and although it wasn’t always my best, I got stuck in at the right moments,” Raducanu said. This win propelled her up the WTA rankings, providing a confidence boost as she navigates the clay court season.

“Less is More”: A New Approach

Raducanu has adopted a “less is more” approach to her training and match schedule. “I’ve realised now that less is more for me sometimes. I work really intense and really hard and can definitely be partial to overkilling it sometimes,” she explained. This strategy involves maximizing focus during training sessions and prioritizing rest and recovery.

The Road Ahead: Potential and Challenges

Raducanu’s talent and potential are undeniable. She possesses a formidable return game and demonstrates remarkable intensity on court. However, challenges remain, including maintaining consistency, managing pressure, and staying healthy.

Petchey’s Role: Guidance and Support

Petchey can play a crucial role in helping Raducanu overcome these challenges. His experience as a coach and commentator, combined with his familiarity with Raducanu’s game, positions him to provide valuable guidance and support. He understands the pressures. He coached Andy Murray previously.

A Shoulder to Lean On, a Serve to Believe In

The tweak to Raducanu’s service motion, guided by Mark Petchey, represents a proactive step towards unlocking her full potential. Whether this “informal” partnership blossoms into a long-term collaboration remains to be seen, but the initial signs are encouraging. The added shoulder turn may provide the disguise and power. And it can help Raducanu elevate her game. It may also propel her back into the upper echelons of women’s tennis.