Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation who captivated the world with her historic 2021 US Open victory, is once again making waves on the WTA Tour. As she prepares for a high-stakes third-round clash against Elena Rybakina at the 2025 US Open, Raducanu is riding a wave of newfound confidence, playing what many consider her finest tennis since her Grand Slam triumph at age 18. Her journey to this point, however, has been anything but smooth, marked by a challenging start to the 2025 season that tested her resilience. Her former coach, Mark Petchey, recently opened up about this turbulent period and the pivotal role their collaboration played in her remarkable turnaround.
The year began with Raducanu struggling to find her footing. A third-round exit at the Australian Open against Iga Swiatek left her with a lackluster 3-6 record early in the season. Off the court, personal challenges compounded her difficulties, including an unsettling encounter with a stalker at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Her performance at Indian Wells was equally disappointing, with an early loss that left her searching for answers. “She was obviously in a slightly difficult spot,” Petchey reflected, recalling the low point Raducanu faced just six months ago. Yet, from this adversity, a turning point emerged that would redefine her 2025 campaign.
The Miami Open in March proved to be a game-changer. Reuniting with Petchey, who was commentating at the event, Raducanu found a familiar ally to guide her through the storm. Their partnership, initially intended as a short-term arrangement, sparked an immediate impact. Raducanu stormed to her first WTA 1000 quarter-final, defeating top-10 player Emma Navarro en route. “Coaching Emma was awesome,” Petchey shared. “Everybody knows it was a very roundabout way that we got involved with each other in Miami.” The success in Miami laid the foundation for a string of strong performances, including standout showings at the Italian Open and Wimbledon, where she pushed top players to their limits.
Petchey’s influence extended beyond tactics. He emphasized Raducanu’s deep passion for tennis, countering narratives that have sometimes painted her as difficult to coach. “From my perspective, I hope people can really understand how much she loves tennis,” he said. “She’s totally invested in it. She watches it all the time. She practices as hard as anyone I know.” This dedication shone through as Raducanu racked up 26 wins in 2025, her most successful season to date, and climbed back into the top 40 of the WTA rankings. Her 60-minute victory over Janice Tjen at the US Open, her quickest-ever Grand Slam win, underscored her rediscovered form, dropping just six games across her campaign so far.
However, the partnership with Petchey was not destined to last. His commitments as a commentator made a long-term role untenable, and Raducanu transitioned to working with Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former coach, ahead of the Cincinnati Open. Petchey described the split as amicable, noting, “The way we stopped working together was totally amicable.” Roig’s arrival has brought a new dynamic, with Raducanu admitting she sometimes struggles to absorb his constant advice but appreciating his push for her to embrace imperfection. This shift in mindset has allowed her to play with greater freedom, evident in her commanding first-round win at the US Open.
Petchey remains a staunch believer in Raducanu’s potential, boldly predicting she could become a two-time US Open champion. “I honestly think she could win the US Open,” he declared. “She’s got something you can’t teach, which is complete courage. She’s an unbelievable athlete.” While acknowledging the need for a favorable draw, he highlighted her ability to thrive on the big stage, a quality that propelled her to glory in 2021 as a qualifier. Her current path is challenging, with potential matchups against in-form players like Veronika Kudermetova and Rybakina, but Raducanu’s renewed confidence makes her a formidable contender.
Raducanu’s journey in 2025 reflects her resilience and adaptability. From a “slightly difficult” start to a season of resurgence, she has silenced doubters with her on-court performances and off-court growth. As she navigates the pressures of fame and the physical demands of the sport, her ability to evolve under new coaching and maintain her love for tennis positions her for future success. With Flushing Meadows once again her stage, Raducanu is poised to write the next chapter of her extraordinary career, proving that her 2021 triumph was not a fluke but a glimpse of her enduring potential.
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