Emma Raducanu’s coach, Mark Petchey, has offered a candid assessment of her current challenges, emphasizing the significant evolution of tennis since her remarkable 2021 US Open victory. Following her decisive 6-1, 6-2 loss to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the second round of the 2025 French Open, Petchey highlighted the need for Raducanu to adapt to the modern game’s demands.
Petchey pointed out that the sport has changed considerably over the past four years, noting that the tennis balls used today are heavier, which can disadvantage players like Raducanu who are not known for powerful hitting. He remarked, “The balls are about four times heavier. Emma is a medium hitter in lots of ways, and you’ve got to find a way to stay with the big guns, which is where she wants to be.”
Addressing criticisms about Raducanu’s work ethic, Petchey defended her commitment to the sport. He dismissed claims that she doesn’t work hard, emphasizing her dedication to training and improvement. Petchey also mentioned that since joining her team in March, they’ve focused on technical enhancements, including adjustments to her service motion and racquet strings, to better suit her game to current conditions.
Despite the recent setback, Raducanu has shown signs of progress, with her ranking improving to around No. 37, positioning her close to a potential seeding for Wimbledon. Petchey remains optimistic about her development, suggesting that with continued effort and adaptation, she can close the gap with top competitors like Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Swiatek.
Looking ahead, Raducanu is preparing for the grass-court season, aiming to leverage her strengths and the adjustments made under Petchey’s guidance to achieve better results. Her team remains focused on building a sustainable career path, with Petchey expressing a willingness to step aside if a different coaching approach would better serve her long-term success .
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