Emma Raducanu’s stunning 2021 US Open triumph at just 18 years old marked her as a tennis prodigy, but former interim coach Mark Petchey believes the British No. 1 must evolve her game to conquer the sport’s “big hitters” and secure another Grand Slam title. As Raducanu trains intensely in Barcelona under new coach Francisco Roig, Petchey’s insights highlight the challenges she faces in a fiercely competitive women’s tennis landscape and the strategic adjustments needed to reclaim her place among the elite.
Raducanu’s 2021 victory, achieved without dropping a set, showcased her versatility, speed, and composure. However, the past four years have been a rollercoaster of injuries, coaching changes, and inconsistent results. Now ranked world No. 36, Raducanu has shown promising signs in 2025, reaching the third round of the US Open and climbing back into the top 40. Yet, Petchey, who briefly coached her in 2022, argues that her game requires refinement to handle the raw 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.”
Petchey points to Raducanu’s recent performances as evidence of her potential but also her vulnerabilities. At the 2025 US Open, she fell to Rybakina in straight sets, a match that exposed her struggles against aggressive, power-based 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 suggests that Raducanu’s current style, which relies on quick footwork and counterpunching, can be overwhelmed by players who dictate points with sheer force.
Raducanu’s training in Barcelona with Roig, a former coach of Rafael Nadal, signals her commitment to addressing these challenges. The BTT Academy’s clay courts have been a proving ground for her to refine her slice and bolster her defensive game, which Petchey sees as a step in the right direction. “Her slice is becoming a weapon,” he noted, praising her work with Roig. “It’s about using those tools to control the pace against players who want to bully her off the court.” Raducanu’s recent social media posts, showing her smiling under the Spanish sun, reflect a renewed confidence as she prepares for the Korea Open and the WTA 1000 China Open.
The broader context of women’s tennis underscores the urgency of Petchey’s advice. The sport has shifted toward power and athleticism, with players like Sabalenka and Rybakina dominating with blistering serves and groundstrokes. Raducanu’s 2021 win came during a unique moment when she exploited a relatively open draw, but today’s field is relentless. Petchey believes her intelligence and adaptability—hallmarks of her US Open run—can help her navigate this challenge. “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.”
Raducanu’s decision to skip the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in favor of individual tournaments has fueled debate, but Petchey supports her focus on personal growth. “She’s prioritizing her development, and that’s not a bad thing,” he argued, noting that her wildcard entry into the Korea Open offers a chance to build momentum. With a favorable draw in Seoul and a passionate fanbase in Asia due to her Chinese heritage, Raducanu is poised to make a statement.
As she eyes the 2026 Australian Open, where a seeded ranking is within reach, Raducanu’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Petchey’s call for adaptation resonates as a blueprint for success: to win another Grand Slam, Raducanu must blend her natural flair with tactical nous to counter the sport’s powerhouses. With Roig’s guidance and a renewed hunger, the tennis world awaits the next chapter of her remarkable story.
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