Emma Raducanu’s former coach, Mark Petchey, recently offered insight into what it’s truly like to work with the young British tennis star, currently ranked No. 58 in the world. Known for her meteoric rise in 2021 and the dramatic coaching shifts that followed, Raducanu has often attracted headlines not only for her game but for her evolving support team. Petchey, who coached Raducanu before her unforgettable US Open triumph, shared his experience working with her and highlighted her strong-willed, inquisitive nature, which he believes is central to her character and her approach to the game.
Since Raducanu became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title, her career trajectory has been under intense scrutiny. Shortly after her historic US Open win, Raducanu began making notable changes to her coaching team, working with five different mentors over 18 months. This led to a reputation for switching coaches at a high pace, sparking conversations within the tennis community about her decision-making and approach to professional guidance. Now, however, it appears Raducanu has refined her outlook; she has committed to working with a single coach for the entire 2024 season, indicating a desire for stability in her training.
Petchey, who had worked with other prominent players such as Andy Murray and Maria Sakkari, described Raducanu as a “stubborn” learner, a quality he praised and saw as essential for competitive success. He recounted that, during the 10 months they worked together, he was especially impressed by her focus, determination, and curiosity about the game. “In the time we spent together, I was even more impressed by her application, desire, and her inquisitive nature to learn about the game,” Petchey said in an interview with Bally Casino. “She’s stubborn in certain areas, which is a great quality in tennis; you need that.” He explained that self-reliance and the ability to think critically about advice—even without necessarily applying every piece of it immediately—are invaluable traits that Raducanu exhibits.
Raducanu has previously stated that some coaches found it difficult to “keep up” with her, alluding to the fact that her intense curiosity often led her to ask questions and challenge perspectives frequently. While this tendency has led to differing opinions on her coaching approach, Petchey expressed admiration for Raducanu’s attitude, positioning her as one of the most impressive players he’s ever worked with. “I can only talk from my experiences,” he said, “but she was one of the best players that I’ve ever had as a tennis coach, and I wish her the very best.”
Beyond her athletic capabilities, Raducanu’s journey has included challenges off the court, particularly dealing with the intense media and public scrutiny that came after her US Open win. Petchey pointed out that no young player could have been fully prepared for the level of fame and expectations that followed such an unexpected Grand Slam victory. In his view, her situation is unique, and he urged critics and fans alike to have empathy and patience as she navigates these challenges. “I think it’s important for her to block out the noise,” he remarked. “Everyone’s going to have an opinion on her, but people are trying to insert themselves into her shoes, which they have never worn before. It’s easy to say these things from the outside looking in.”
When Raducanu won the US Open in 2021, she was thrust into a realm few athletes experience, becoming a global sensation almost overnight. Her rapid rise brought a flood of sponsorship offers and brand endorsements, putting her in a position that even seasoned players would find challenging to manage. Petchey empathized with her response to these offers, noting that it would have been difficult for anyone to turn them down, especially a young player new to the pressures and opportunities of the tour. “When you get offers for sponsorships and endorsements as a player, it’s very hard to turn those down, especially when she was young and new to the tour. There are very few players that would have done anything differently.”
Raducanu’s journey from GCSEs to Grand Slam champion has not followed a traditional path, and Petchey suggested that the pressures that came with her rapid success are difficult to understand unless one has experienced it firsthand. As the young Brit continues to adjust to her role on the professional circuit, Petchey believes the focus should remain on her potential rather than any perceived missteps. He hopes that her critics will give her the space she needs to develop and fulfill her talent without the burden of constant external expectations.
As for Raducanu herself, 2024 marks a fresh chapter. With a consistent coaching structure in place and a renewed focus on her career, she is aiming to regain the momentum she initially showcased in her breakout season. Petchey, along with many fans, remains optimistic about what she can achieve. In the end, Petchey’s reflections offer a reminder of Raducanu’s tenacity and the complex reality of elite sports, where rapid success can bring as many challenges as it does accolades. The next steps in Raducanu’s journey are uncertain, but with her remarkable attitude and determination, she appears poised to tackle whatever comes her way.