Emma Raducanu’s former coach, Mark Petchey, recently shared insights into the young British star’s determined nature and how it has shaped her journey since her unprecedented 2021 US Open victory. Raducanu, who made history as the first player ever to win a Grand Slam coming directly from the qualifiers—and at just 18 years old—quickly rose to stardom. Yet, her subsequent seasons have been defined by the intense pressures of high expectations, coupled with a series of physical setbacks that have hampered her ability to recapture that early success.
Since her groundbreaking US Open triumph, Raducanu has faced a slew of injuries, which have made her ascent in professional tennis far more challenging. Notably, she had to undergo surgeries on both wrists in 2023, procedures that sidelined her for several months and required an extensive period of recovery and rehabilitation. The Brit finally returned to the court in 2024, though her schedule has remained limited to avoid aggravating her injuries. Despite a handful of promising performances, she continued to face inconsistent results, alternating between strong showings and early tournament exits, ultimately closing out the season ranked just inside the top 60.
Mark Petchey, who coached Raducanu briefly before her monumental win at Flushing Meadows, recently spoke with Bally Casino about the qualities that set her apart as a player, praising her determination and what he described as a “stubborn” approach to her training and development. According to Petchey, Raducanu’s “stubborn” nature is actually a quality that, in his view, serves her well on the court. “In the 10 months we worked together, I was even more impressed by her application, desire, and her inquisitive nature to learn about the game,” he shared. “She’s stubborn in certain areas, which is a great quality in tennis; you need that.”
This “stubbornness,” Petchey explained, manifests as a fierce dedication to refining her skills and an unwillingness to waver in her commitment to growth—even in the face of setbacks. It’s a trait he believes is essential for any top player, particularly one with as much media scrutiny and expectation as Raducanu. In tennis, he noted, players must possess a degree of self-reliance, an ability to keep focused and steady despite outside pressures and advice that may not always align with their personal goals.
However, Raducanu’s career trajectory has also been marked by significant coaching changes, adding a layer of complexity to her development. Since her US Open win, she has worked with five different coaches in an effort to rediscover the form she displayed in New York. While she has continued to show glimpses of brilliance on the court, her frequent coaching shifts have left her struggling to achieve the consistency required to rise back to the top ranks of women’s tennis.
Petchey observed that while this rotation of coaches may seem unconventional, it highlights her willingness to explore different perspectives in her pursuit of excellence. He described her as someone who is “able to entertain thoughts” that she doesn’t necessarily need to adopt immediately but still considers valuable for her broader understanding of the game. “You need to have a certain self-reliance,” Petchey added, reflecting on her adaptability and resilience. “You need to be able to put things to one side and entertain thoughts that you don’t necessarily always need to implement into your game, but you must consider things.”
The coach went on to express his admiration for Raducanu’s character, sharing that she ranks among the most dedicated and focused players he’s ever coached. “I can only talk from my experiences, but she was one of the best players that I’ve ever had as a tennis coach, and I wish her the very best,” he said, underscoring his hope that she can navigate the intense scrutiny that comes with her fame. Petchey believes that one of the greatest challenges Raducanu faces is learning to “block out the noise” from those who may lack an understanding of the unique pressures she faces.
“I think everyone’s going to have an opinion on her and broadcast it,” he continued, acknowledging the inevitable critiques that come with such rapid fame. “People are trying to insert themselves into her shoes, which they have never worn before, even in their own career or life. But it is easy to say these things from the outside looking in.”
Petchey also touched on the life-altering nature of her US Open win, noting that it fundamentally changed the course of her career. “When she won the US Open back in 2021, no blueprint or manual could explain what was going to happen in her life or career after that breakthrough moment,” he said. Raducanu’s win catapulted her into the global spotlight, bringing with it a flood of opportunities for sponsorships and endorsements. According to Petchey, turning down these offers is difficult for any young player, especially for someone still adjusting to the demands of the professional circuit. “There are very few players that would have done anything differently,” he said, acknowledging that many would have made similar choices in her position.
Looking forward, Petchey’s reflections underscore both the immense potential that Raducanu still possesses and the challenging path she must navigate. As she continues to balance her physical recovery with the demands of her sport, her former coach remains hopeful that she can carve out a career defined by her own terms and not just by the pressures and expectations of others.