Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis phenom, remains a captivating figure in the sport, her 2021 US Open triumph still echoing as one of tennis’s most remarkable fairy tales. Yet, as she navigates the next chapter of her career under new coach Francisco Roig, her former mentor Mark Petchey has called for patience, describing her current phase as “Emma Raducanu 2.0” and emphasizing that it’s still in its “very early days.” Following a challenging 2025 season marked by flashes of brilliance and tough lessons, Petchey insists there’s no need for a “knee-jerk reaction” to her recent setbacks, viewing them as critical steps in her development.
Raducanu’s journey since her historic 2021 US Open win—where, as a qualifier, she became the first British woman to claim a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade in 1977—has been a rollercoaster. Injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries, disrupted her 2023 and 2024 campaigns, while the weight of expectations tested her resilience. In 2025, however, she showed signs of rediscovery, reaching the quarterfinals of the Miami Open and HSBC Championships, the third round at Wimbledon, and the semifinals of the Citi DC Open. These results, coupled with a career-high ranking of No. 34 by September 2025, signal a player clawing her way back to the elite. Yet, her North American hard-court swing, culminating in a third-round US Open loss to Elena Rybakina, highlighted the work still ahead.
Petchey, who worked informally with Raducanu earlier in 2025 after her previous coach Nick Cavaday stepped down for health reasons, sees her recent 6-1, 6-2 defeat to Rybakina as a valuable lesson rather than a cause for alarm. “Obviously, it’s very early days with her and Francisco,” he said, noting the new partnership with Roig, a former coach of Rafael Nadal. “Her defeat would still have been a great data learning process for him in terms of what he wants to do with her this week while they are in Barcelona.” Petchey believes Roig’s experience will help Raducanu refine her game to counter the tour’s power hitters like Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated her in three sets at the Cincinnati Open. “It’s not just Rybakina, it’s Sabalenka, and others, who at times can just take the racket out of her hand,” he added, pinpointing the challenge of facing players who dominate with sheer force.
Raducanu’s game, known for its counter-hitting flair and exceptional court movement, must evolve to meet these demands. Petchey suggests she needs to take “the match more into her hands” rather than relying solely on reactive play. Her run to the Citi DC Open semifinals showcased her ability to dictate points, but consistency remains key. “This will include what she needs to do to be able to contend,” Petchey explained, emphasizing tactical adjustments like redirecting the ball and forcing opponents to move. Her collaboration with Roig, which began just before the Cincinnati Open, is focused on building this proactive style, leveraging her speed and versatility to disrupt opponents’ rhythms.
Despite her 145-80 career record and a current doubles ranking of No. 268, Raducanu faces physical limitations. Standing at 5’9”, she lacks the towering presence of players like Rybakina, whose serves generate easy points. Petchey acknowledges this, noting, “She can’t get taller; she’s not going to suddenly have a Rybakina serve.” However, he remains optimistic about her ability to enhance her serve’s accuracy and tactical impact, setting her up for better offensive play. Her recent performances, including a 6-1 record in the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals, demonstrate her growing resilience and adaptability.
The tennis community remains enthralled by Raducanu’s potential. Her 2021 US Open run, where she became the first qualifier to win a major in the Open Era, showcased a mental fortitude that could propel her back to the top. Roig’s guidance, combined with a full 2026 pre-season, offers a chance to refine her game. Petchey’s call for patience resonates as Raducanu navigates a landscape dominated by power players like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. Her ability to adapt, as seen in her third-round Wimbledon showing and strong North American swing, suggests she’s on the right path.
As Raducanu prepares for the WTA season, the narrative around “Emma Raducanu 2.0” is one of growth and grit. Fans and analysts alike are rooting for the young star who once defied the odds. Whether she can harness her counter-hitting prowess and elevate her serve to challenge the tour’s elite remains the question. For now, Petchey’s words serve as a reminder: this is a marathon, not a sprint, and Raducanu’s best chapters may still be unwritten.
Leave a Reply