In an emotional and honest interview with Diary of a Professional Tennis Coach, Vlado Platenik, the former coach of British tennis star Emma Raducanu, has shed new light on his short but constructive time working with her. Opening up for the first time since their professional relationship ended, Platenik reflected on the experience with warmth, expressing admiration for both Emma and her father, Ion Raducanu, while also offering insight into the factors that may have influenced their split.
Platenik spoke glowingly of the bond he built with Ion Raducanu, emphasizing the mutual respect and open communication that defined their collaboration. “I was really happy, because I never heard a father thank me so many times that he thanked me after the practices,” Platenik shared. “He said, ‘Wow, you are doing everything I hoped a coach would do with my daughter, and she’s improving.’ We had open discussions. I always try to educate the parents and explain what I’m working on with the player, so they feel comfortable entrusting their child to me.”
Despite that strong connection, the partnership came to an end shortly after what appeared to be a successful week together during the Miami Open earlier this year. Platenik admitted he was caught off guard when Emma decided to explore working with other familiar coaches before settling on a permanent choice. He speculated that the decision may have been influenced by a mix of external pressures — notably from the British media — as well as Emma’s personal ambition and internal expectations.
Even Emma’s father, Ion, was reportedly surprised by her decision to discontinue working with Platenik. “He was as surprised as I was when Emma stopped the cooperation,” said Platenik. “But I told him, ‘It’s okay, Ion. Don’t worry. There’s no problem.’”
Platenik showed nothing but understanding and empathy toward Emma, acknowledging the immense pressure she has faced since her stunning 2021 US Open victory. “Emma was just a little bit stressed,” he explained. “I don’t blame her, and I don’t blame you [Ion]. There’s just so much pressure, and she hasn’t been performing at her best since the US Open. I think she really wants to win another Grand Slam and prove to everyone that she’s capable of doing it.”
However, Platenik gently cautioned against the motivation of trying to prove oneself to others. “That’s not the best reason,” he said. “If you’re trying to prove something to people, most of the time, you won’t succeed. It has to come from within. You need to be doing it for yourself — enjoying the process, seeing improvement, trusting your coach, and believing in the people around you.”
Despite the abrupt end to their partnership, Platenik holds no resentment. In fact, he remains open to working with Raducanu again in the future, should circumstances change. “I told Ion that if Emma ever decides to return and work with me again — whether because the decision to split was too quick or she realizes it later — I’d be happy to continue. There are absolutely no hard feelings,” he added. “She was playing well and making progress, and I’d welcome the opportunity again.”
Currently, Emma Raducanu is preparing for the French Open under the guidance of Mark Petchey, who is balancing coaching duties with his ongoing work as a tennis commentator. Whether or not she reconnects with Platenik in the future, the former coach’s reflections offer a rare and heartfelt glimpse into the emotional complexity behind the scenes of professional tennis.
Leave a Reply