Emma Raducanu is looking to recapture her natural way of playing by seeking advice from multiple coaches. The British number one, ranked 24 in the world, her highest ranking since 2022, says she is going to be “tapping into a few people” as she tries to rediscover her instincts.
Raducanu remains open to the idea of having another full-time coach. However, she is wary of the scrutiny they will attract, wanting to avoid a situation where she feels pressured to stick with someone who isn’t the right fit.
Raducanu’s Coaching History
Raducanu’s partnership with Francisco Roig ended after January’s Australian Open due to a disagreement over her playing style. Roig was the seventh full-time coach Raducanu had worked with.
“Right now, it’s more about bringing my instincts back out, getting back in touch with myself,” Raducanu told BBC Sport after a two-hour practice session before her first match at Indian Wells in California. “I have had a lot of people telling me what to do, how to play, and it hasn’t necessarily fit.”
Emphasis on Natural Play
Raducanu wants to return to her natural way of playing, something she feels has been coached out of her. “That takes time to relearn because that’s something that has been coached out of me a little bit,” she explained.
Raducanu said, “I definitely have my mind open to it. It’s just that I would rather someone not come in and tell me ‘let’s do this’, and I disagree with it but have to listen to them.”
Petchey’s Role in Raducanu’s Training
Mark Petchey is assisting Raducanu. He has been on court regularly this week and it is possible that Petchey could resume the ad hoc role he had last spring.
Petchey, who coached Andy Murray at the start of his career, joined Raducanu’s team in Miami last March as she reached the quarter-finals. He was also a regular presence throughout the clay-court season, when Raducanu reached the fourth round in Rome.
Raducanu asked for Petchey’s help as she felt uncomfortable about her game. She has noticed an improvement over the past few days. “I work really well when I’m with him,” she said. “I’m really happy to be on the court and just really enjoy it overall. I’m not sure, going forward, what it will look like.”
Canter’s Support
Alexis Canter has been providing support, despite limited coaching experience. Canter was with Raducanu as a hitting partner in Washington last summer when she made the semi-finals, and also in Cluj last month when the world number 24 reached only the second final of her career.
Canter very much takes a back seat when Petchey is also on the court.
Raducanu said she doesn’t necessarily want to have one coach in the role because anyone she brings in is straight away going to be scrutinised – even if it’s a trial.