The 2025 French Open has brought the spotlight back to Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, whose journey to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite has been fraught with challenges. On May 28, the 22-year-old British No. 2 suffered a decisive 6-1, 6-2 defeat to five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the second round at Roland Garros, a loss that underscored the steep climb she faces. Her coach, Mark Petchey, has pointed to an unexpected culprit for her recent struggles: the heavier tennis balls used at the tournament, which he argues have hindered her ability to compete against powerhouses like Swiatek. As Raducanu navigates a pivotal moment in her career, Petchey’s defense of his player offers a glimpse into the complexities of her comeback and the evolving demands of professional tennis.
Raducanu’s fairytale run at the 2021 US Open, where she became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam since 1977, set sky-high expectations. Now ranked 41st in the world, she has struggled to replicate that success, particularly against top-five players, with only one victory in nine career matches against such opponents. Her early exit in Paris, where she managed just three games against a dominant Swiatek, prompted Petchey to address the narrative surrounding her form. “From my point of view, it’s tough on Emma as I still feel everyone is living in 2021,” he said, highlighting the persistent comparisons to her teenage triumph. He emphasized that the game has evolved significantly, particularly on clay, where conditions amplify the challenges for players like Raducanu who aren’t natural power hitters. “The games have changed massively, the balls are four times heavier than back in 2021, and Emma isn’t the biggest hitter out there,” he added, exaggerating for effect. “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 in all sorts of trouble.”
Petchey’s comments point to a broader issue in tennis: the variation in tennis balls across tournaments. The French Open, which uses Wilson balls, contrasts with Wimbledon’s Slazenger balls and the Australian Open’s Dunlop balls, each with distinct characteristics. Players like Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios have echoed concerns about “fluffy” balls that become heavier and slower during play, potentially increasing injury risks. Raducanu herself raised this issue in 2024, noting that frequent ball changes exacerbate wrist issues, especially after her 2023 double wrist surgery. “I honestly think it’s really bad for us, the way that we have to switch balls every single week,” she said last year, a sentiment that resonates as she continues to manage her physical recovery.
Despite the loss, Petchey was quick to defend Raducanu’s work ethic, countering critics who question her commitment. “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 said, aiming to “bury that myth” of her supposed lack of effort. He praised her dedication, noting that she has consistently shown up to training, even as she battles the physical and mental toll of injuries and high expectations. Petchey, who balances coaching with punditry for TNT Sports, also acknowledged Swiatek’s dominance, pointing out her 23-match winning streak at Roland Garros. “On this court, Iga has 23 straight wins,” he said. “You don’t put those streaks together at a major if your game isn’t so difficult to play against.”
Raducanu’s clay-court season has been a mixed bag. A second-round loss to Marta Kostyuk at the Madrid Open and a pre-quarterfinal defeat to Coco Gauff at the Italian Open highlighted her struggles on the surface, where she admitted feeling “slightly better” than in previous years but still uncomfortable. Her reflections after the Swiatek match revealed the psychological weight of playing on a grand stage like Court Philippe-Chatrier for the first time. “It was tough. I think in the beginning of the match it was pretty tight,” she said. “As it went on, I think she grew in confidence. I just felt a bit exposed.” The unfamiliarity of the packed stadium and Swiatek’s comfort on clay amplified Raducanu’s challenges, but she remains focused on growth, targeting improvements in aggression and point construction.
Looking ahead, Petchey believes Raducanu needs two years to develop a more complete game to compete consistently with the likes of Swiatek and Gauff. The transition to grass courts, where Raducanu feels more at home, offers hope, especially with Wimbledon on the horizon. Her team, bolstered by fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, who has worked with Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova, is focused on building her physical resilience. “I think I can become one of the best athletes in tennis,” Raducanu said earlier this year, signaling her ambition. Despite the setbacks, Petchey’s faith in her potential remains unshaken, even as he navigates an informal coaching arrangement. As Raducanu prepares for the grass season, the tennis world watches to see if she can channel her 2021 magic and overcome the weight—literal and figurative—of the challenges before her.
# Emma Raducanu’s Struggles at 2025 French Open Linked to Heavier Tennis Balls, Says Coach
## A Tough Exit in Paris
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, faced a formidable challenge at the 2025 French Open, falling 6-1, 6-2 to Iga Swiatek in the second round on May 28. The loss highlighted ongoing struggles for the world No. 41, prompting her coach, Mark Petchey, to point to heavier tennis balls as a key factor in her performance.
## The Weight of Expectations
Raducanu’s meteoric rise in 2021 set lofty expectations, but her journey since has been complicated by injuries and inconsistent results. “From my point of view, it’s tough on Emma as I still feel everyone is living in 2021,” Petchey said, addressing the pressure of her early success. He noted the evolution of the game, particularly on clay: “The balls are four times heavier than back in 2021, and Emma isn’t the biggest hitter out there.”
## The Ball Controversy
Petchey’s remarks echo a broader debate in tennis about varying ball types, with Wilson balls at Roland Garros posing challenges for players like Raducanu. “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 in all sorts of trouble,” he said. Raducanu has previously criticized frequent ball changes, noting their impact on her wrists post-2023 surgery.
## Defending Her Work Ethic
Countering criticism, Petchey praised Raducanu’s dedication. “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 said, aiming to dispel myths about her work ethic. He highlighted Swiatek’s dominance, with her 23-match Roland Garros streak, as a testament to the challenge Raducanu faced.
## Looking Forward
Raducanu reflected on feeling “exposed” on Court Philippe-Chatrier, citing its unfamiliarity. With her team, including fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, she aims to build a stronger game. As she shifts to grass courts, Petchey remains optimistic, believing two years of development could see her compete with the best.
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