Emma Raducanu’s meteoric rise to the 2021 US Open title at just 18 cemented her as a tennis sensation, but according to her former interim coach Mark Petchey, the British No. 1 must reinvent her game to overcome the sport’s dominant “big hitters” and claim another major. Training under the Mediterranean sun in Barcelona with new coach Francisco Roig, Raducanu is honing her skills to meet the challenges of a fiercely competitive women’s tennis landscape. Petchey’s candid insights highlight the tactical evolution needed for her to reclaim her spot among the game’s elite, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in her career.
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory was a masterclass in versatility, speed, and mental fortitude, as she stormed through the tournament without dropping a set. Yet, the years since have been a turbulent journey marked by injuries, frequent coaching changes, and fluctuating form. Now ranked world No. 36, the 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in 2025, reaching the third round of the US Open and climbing back into the top 40. However, Petchey, who worked with her briefly in 2022, stresses that her current style needs refinement to counter the relentless power of players like Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Iga Swiatek. “Emma needs to add layers to her game to combat the big hitters,” Petchey emphasized. “The top players are so powerful now, and she’s got to find ways to disrupt their rhythm.”
Her recent defeat to Rybakina at the 2025 US Open underscored these challenges. The straight-sets loss highlighted how Raducanu’s reactive, counterpunching style can falter against opponents who dominate with aggressive, power-driven play. “She’s got the talent, no question,” Petchey said. “But to win another major, she needs to develop a plan B—maybe a heavier serve, more spin, or better use of angles to break up those big-hitting rallies.” He argues that while her speed and court coverage remain strengths, she must develop tools to dictate points rather than merely respond to the onslaught of today’s heavy hitters.
Raducanu’s intensive training at Barcelona’s BTT Academy with Roig, a former coach of Rafael Nadal, signals her determination to address these gaps. The clay courts have proven ideal for sharpening her slice, a shot Petchey sees as a potential game-changer. “Her slice is becoming a weapon,” he noted, applauding her progress under Roig’s guidance. “It’s about using those tools to control the pace against players who want to bully her off the court.” Social media glimpses of Raducanu training in Barcelona, radiating confidence under the Spanish sun, suggest a player rediscovering her spark as she gears up for the Korea Open and the WTA 1000 China Open.
The evolution of women’s tennis adds urgency to Petchey’s advice. The game has tilted toward raw power, with players like Sabalenka and Rybakina wielding devastating serves and groundstrokes. Raducanu’s 2021 triumph capitalized on a rare open draw, but today’s field is unforgiving, with top players consistently raising the bar. Petchey remains optimistic, pointing to Raducanu’s sharp tennis IQ as a key asset. “She’s one of the smartest players out there,” he said. “If she can marry that brain with a bit more tactical variety, she’ll be back in the winner’s circle.” Her ability to adapt, a hallmark of her US Open run, could be the key to unlocking future success.
Raducanu’s controversial decision to skip the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen to focus on individual tournaments like the Korea Open has divided opinions, but Petchey defends her choice. “She’s prioritizing her development, and that’s not a bad thing,” he argued, noting that her wildcard entry into Seoul offers a chance to build momentum and defend ranking points from her 2022 semi-final and 2023 quarter-final runs. With her Chinese heritage resonating with Asian fans, Raducanu is poised to shine in a region where she enjoys significant support.
As the 2026 Australian Open looms, where a seeded ranking is within her grasp, Raducanu’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. Petchey’s call for tactical growth offers a roadmap: blending her natural flair with strategic versatility to counter the sport’s powerhouses. With Roig’s expertise and her own relentless drive, Raducanu is crafting the next chapter of her story, one that could see her once again lifting a Grand Slam trophy and silencing doubters on the global stage.
Leave a Reply