Emma Raducanu`s new coach, Mark Petchey, believes she needs to effectively “restart” her career, suggesting her trajectory has been unusual, like “living her tennis life in reverse.”
Petchey, a respected TV analyst, defended her dedication and urged critics to move past her fairytale US Open victory, noting how significantly the sport has evolved since then.
The 22-year-old Raducanu is now shifting her focus to the grass court season after suffering a comprehensive 6-1, 6-2 defeat on clay to defending champion Iga Swiatek at the French Open.
Her memorable achievement at the US Open four years ago, when she won at 18 on her debut, created immense expectations and arguably placed an unfair amount of pressure on her.
Petchey, 54, highlighted changes in tennis, stating that balls are now considerably heavier than they were in 2021. He noted that Emma isn`t one of the tour`s biggest hitters.
He explained that if a player cannot hit through the court, especially on a windy, heavy clay court day against a powerful opponent like Iga Swiatek, they will inevitably face significant challenges.
Having collaborated with Raducanu since the Miami Open in March, including a focused training block in LA, Petchey has communicated to her team that he is willing to step aside if he is not the most suitable person to guide her progress.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Petchey said: “From my point of view, it`s tough on Emma at the moment.”
“It feels like everyone is still focused on 2021. The game has changed significantly.”
“The balls are significantly heavier than in 2021, and Emma isn`t among the most powerful hitters.”
“If you can`t hit through the court, especially on a windy, slow clay day against a player like Iga, you`ll face significant challenges.”
“On hard and grass courts, I believe the gap between her and top players like Iga is much narrower now compared to their match in Australia.”
“She understands what`s required, and it will take considerable time.”
“My guiding principle for her since Miami has been: `You are essentially starting your career now.`”
“While people will judge you based on 2021, I want to see you build a standard career progression from this point, where evaluation comes after a few years.”
“Like other developing players such as Jack (Draper), Jacob Fearnley, and Sonay (Kartal). That`s the difficult position Emma is in; her career trajectory has been atypical, almost `in reverse`.”
Petchey, born in Essex, anticipates having more time to work with Raducanu on the practice courts during the grass season. He has already introduced subtle changes, including adjustments to her racquet strings.
Raducanu, projected to move up to 37th in the world rankings, has been plagued by injuries since her substantial earnings from the US Open victory.
Petchey was quick to challenge the suggestion that she lacks work ethic, dismissing it as a “myth” that she is unwilling to put in the required hours.
Improvements Noted
Andy Murray’s former coach stated: “Since Miami, when we improvised and I began assisting Emma, my primary message to her has been that she needs to narrow the gap separating her from the top players.”
“She doesn`t need me just for her to be ranked between 20 and 50 globally. If I`m not the ideal coach for her advancement, she should seek the best person for the job.”
“It`s publicly known that we worked on her serve during our time in Los Angeles. It`s a longer motion, and I believe it has improved.”
“However, like any significant changes, it requires time to fully implement and feel comfortable, especially under pressure on major courts.”
“Consider a player like Daniil Medvedev; he hasn`t won a tournament in two years.”
“The sport has evolved, and the balls are different. For Emma to effectively hit the ball and compete with impact against players like Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek, she needs to find a method to do so.”
“That is my responsibility – to determine if I can help her achieve this, or if someone else is better suited…”
“Given her experiences over the past four years, there`s potential to improve her positioning behind the ball to generate more power and effect. Overall, there have been many improvements.”
“I`m quite weary of people claiming she doesn`t work hard.”
“I worked with her for ten months in 2020, and since Miami, I`ve been with her whenever possible. She has consistently put in a full day`s effort every single time.”
“She consistently shows up and puts in a solid effort daily. I want to debunk that myth completely.”
