Emma Raducanu, a name that resonates fervently within the tennis world, is once again under the spotlight following her recent split from coach Francisco Roig. The former world No. 1 junior and sensational 2021 US Open champion has seen a turbulent start to the 2026 season, and her former coach Mark Petchey has weighed in with critical insights about her playing style and future direction.
In a candid discussion on Tennis Channel’s The Big T podcast, Petchey, who previously guided Raducanu during a successful period between March and August last year, made it clear that the young Brit is at a pivotal juncture in her career. After parting ways with Roig last month, Raducanu finds herself without a permanent coach, and Petchey believes she must adopt a singular focus if she hopes to regain her competitive edge.
“She really only has one choice — she needs to stay up on the baseline, she needs to be able to redirect, and she needs to serve well,” Petchey asserted. This statement encapsulates the urgency of her situation, as Raducanu struggles to find her footing amidst ongoing physical challenges. The 23-year-old has battled through an injury-plagued off-season, which has undoubtedly impacted her performance. With a current record of 6-5 this year, her path has been far from smooth.
Petchey acknowledged the importance of Raducanu’s recent performances, particularly her run to the final at the WTA 250 event in Cluj-Napoca. “It was nice to see her get some wins, it was nice to see some confidence, it was nice to see the fight was back,” he remarked. However, he also pointed out that her game still lacks the sharpness needed to consistently challenge the sport's elite, such as Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.
The former British No. 1 noted that despite moments of brilliance, Raducanu has not yet achieved the level of play necessary to contend with top-tier opponents: “I do think that she was suffering a little bit from health problems. But I think she’s got a good three, four weeks of hard work to get her tennis back to where you would like to see her be.”
As she navigates this challenging phase, Raducanu's journey is one of resilience and determination. The tennis community is left eager to see how she adapts her game to meet Petchey’s recommendations and whether she can overcome the physical hurdles that have hindered her progress. With a mixture of hope and urgency, fans and analysts alike are watching closely, wondering if this young star can reclaim her status among the sport's elite.
