Emma Raducanu, the young British tennis sensation, has been the subject of intense scrutiny since her remarkable US Open victory in 2021. With frequent coaching changes and fluctuating form, many have questioned her path. However, her current coach, Mark Petchey, is sending a clear message: judge her progress in the long term, not just by immediate results.
Petchey’s Perspective: A Call for Patience
Petchey, who began working with Raducanu on an informal basis in March 2025, has emphasized the need for a broader perspective when evaluating her career. He contends that the game has evolved significantly since her US Open triumph, making comparisons to her past success unfair.
“My mantra to her has been ‘you are starting your career now. Everyone is judging you on what happened in 2021 but the reality is, I want to see you building a career here where people judge you in two years’,” Petchey stated. This sentiment underscores the importance of focusing on Raducanu’s ongoing development rather than fixating on a single, albeit significant, achievement.
The Evolution of Tennis
Petchey highlighted key changes in the sport that have impacted Raducanu’s game. “The games have changed massively, the balls are four times heavier than back in 2021 and Emma isn’t the biggest hitter out there.” This shift in equipment and playing styles demands adaptation, and Raducanu, like any player, needs time to adjust.
He elaborated on the challenges Raducanu faces, particularly on clay courts: “If you can’t put the ball through the court on a windy, heavy clay court day against someone like Iga, you’re going to get into all sorts of trouble.” This analysis points to the need for Raducanu to develop greater power and court presence to compete with top players like Iga Swiatek consistently.
Challenging the “Lazy” Myth
One of the most persistent criticisms against Raducanu is that she lacks dedication. Petchey vehemently refuted this claim. “I’m a little tired of hearing people say that she doesn’t work hard, but I spent 10 months with her in 2020 and I’ve spent every day that I can with her since Miami, and not once has she not put in a full day shift.”
He further added, “(Maybe) there are areas that, together, we can help her crystallise more gains in fitness, or tennis, or whatever, but in terms of turning up every day and putting in a good shift, she’s done it every single time. So, I’d like to bury that myth where it belongs.” This strong defense aims to dispel misconceptions about Raducanu’s work ethic and highlight her commitment to improvement.
Raducanu’s 2025 Season: A Rollercoaster
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a mix of challenges and encouraging signs. After recovering from wrist and ankle surgeries in 2024, she aimed for a full schedule in 2025. However, injuries and coaching changes continued to be a recurring theme.
Coaching Carousel
Since her US Open victory, Raducanu has worked with a string of coaches, including Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, Nick Cavaday and Vladimir Platenik. This high turnover has drawn criticism, with many believing it hinders her progress.
In early 2025, Raducanu parted ways with Nick Cavaday due to his health issues. She expressed a desire to take her time in finding a new coach, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit. “It’s a decision that I want to take my time with,” she said. “I think that’s why I haven’t necessarily jumped into something straight away, because I want to make sure it’s a right fit.”
Miami Open and Beyond
Raducanu’s collaboration with Mark Petchey began at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals, showcasing glimpses of her past brilliance. Their partnership is described as informal, with Petchey balancing his coaching role with his commentary duties.
Despite the success in Miami, British tennis star Dan Evans voiced skepticism about the long-term sustainability of the arrangement. “It can’t last if she starts losing matches and Petchey is in the commentary box, that’s not going to work,” Evans stated.
French Open Setback
Raducanu’s recent performance at the French Open 2025 highlighted the distance she still needs to cover to compete with the top players. She lost to Iga Swiatek in the second round, 6-1, 6-2. While acknowledging the defeat, Raducanu remained optimistic. “I think I have made progress since January, maybe not in this match, but in general,” she said. “There is a long way to go to where I want to be.”
Petchey also addressed the defeat, emphasizing the need to adapt to the evolving game. He noted that Swiatek’s dominance on clay made her a formidable opponent, and Raducanu needs to develop her game to compete at that level.
Raducanu’s Mindset: Focus on Improvement
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Raducanu remains focused on her development. She recognizes the need to improve and is committed to putting in the work. “I do think I’ve improved and I think the way I’ve been going about things has been a lot better and lot more consistent,” Raducanu stated. “But there is a long way to go to where I want to be.”
She has also emphasized the importance of trusting her instincts and making decisions that are right for her, even if they deviate from the norm. “I just need to get to a place where I’m comfortable enough… that it doesn’t matter what other people are saying,” she said.
The Path Ahead: Grass Court Season and Beyond
With the French Open behind her, Raducanu will now turn her attention to the grass court season. She is set to compete at the HSBC Championships and the Lexus Eastbourne Open, with Wimbledon as the ultimate goal.
Looking further ahead, Raducanu aims to maintain a full schedule in 2025 while also prioritizing her health and well-being. She has learned from past injury setbacks and is committed to managing her workload effectively.
Raducanu’s journey has been far from smooth, but she remains a player with immense potential. With a focus on long-term development, a strong work ethic, and the guidance of experienced coaches like Mark Petchey, she is determined to climb back to the top of the game. It may take time, but the message is clear: judge Emma Raducanu on the career she builds, not just the title she won.
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