Emma Raducanu, currently ranked 24 in the world, is planning to consult various coaches as she aims to rediscover her natural playing style. Raducanu remains open to hiring another full-time coach, provided they don’t try to dictate her style of play. She is also wary of the scrutiny a full-time coach would attract.
Ending Partnership and Seeking Instincts
Raducanu’s partnership with Francisco Roig ended after the Australian Open in January due to a disagreement over her playing style. Roig was the seventh full-time coach Raducanu has worked with.
“Right now, it’s more about bringing my instincts back out, getting back in touch with myself,” Raducanu told BBC Sport. She added that she has had “a lot of people telling me what to do, how to play, and it hasn’t necessarily fit.”
Raducanu wants to “come back to my natural way of playing,” which she says will take time to relearn. “That’s something that has been coached out of me a little bit,” she explained.
Multiple Coaches Instead of One
Raducanu expressed concerns about hiring one full-time coach. “I don’t necessarily want to have one coach in the role because anyone I bring in is straight away going to be scrutinised – even if it’s a trial.” She also fears feeling pressured to stick with a coach, “even if it’s not necessarily the right decision.”
“I would love to have a coach that works well, but I don’t think it’s necessarily going to be easy to find one person and they are going to check every box,” Raducanu stated.
She is open to the idea, but wants to avoid a situation where she disagrees with a coach’s instructions but feels obligated to follow them. “So far Alexis [Canter] has been really good, but I am definitely going to tap into a few people here and there.”
Petchey’s Assistance at Indian Wells
Mark Petchey is among those Raducanu will be consulting. He is already at Indian Wells for his work with the Tennis Channel. Petchey has been regularly on court this week and could resume the ad hoc role he held last spring. The arrangement with Raducanu is currently on a day-to-day basis.
Petchey, who coached Andy Murray early in his career, initially joined Raducanu’s team in Miami last March. He also worked with her throughout the clay-court season.
Raducanu said she requested Petchey’s help because 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 Role
Alexis Canter has limited coaching experience and takes a back seat when Petchey is present. However, Canter was with Raducanu as a hitting partner in Washington last summer when she made the semi-finals. He was also with her in Cluj last month when she reached the second final of her career.
Raducanu is ranked 24 in the world, her highest ranking since 2022.