Emma Raducanu’s former coach makes feelings clear on ‘stubborn’ tennis star
Emma Raducanu has had a number of different coaches in recent years, but one man who worked with the Brit before her US Open triumph has hailed her as the best player he’s ever worked with
One of Emma Raducanu’s former coaches has given an insight into what it’s like to work with the world No. 58.
The British tennis star has been known for changing coaches frequently, but she has since altered her approach, sticking with one mentor throughout the entire 2024 season.
Mark Petchey, who coached Raducanu prior to her breakthrough US Open run, has now revealed her “stubborn” approach to training.
Since becoming the first qualifier in tennis history to win a Grand Slam title three years ago, Raducanu has often made headlines due to her coaching decisions.
She worked with five different mentors within 18 months and previously confessed that some of them couldn’t “keep up” with her constant questions, reports the Express.
While Raducanu’s approach to coaching has often sparked debate, one of her previous mentors has commended her attitude and claimed she was one of the best players to work with.
Petchey has coached the likes of Andy Murray and Maria Sakkari, and he spent time with Raducanu while she was still studying for her GCSEs.
“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,” the British tennis coach told Bally Casino.
“She’s stubborn in certain areas which is a great quality in tennis, you need that.
“You need to have a certain self-reliance; 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.”
Petchey, who has coached some of the finest players in tennis, places Raducanu high on his list of proteges. He added: “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.”
The tennis pundit also called for people to ease off Raducanu, arguing that no one could have coped with the enormity of her 2021 achievements. “I think it’s important for her to block out the noise,” he continued.
“I think everyone’s going to have an opinion on her and broadcast it, but 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.”
“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.
“When you get offers for sponsorships and endorsements as a player, it’s very hard to turn those down, especially when she was young and new to the tour. There are very few players that would have done anything differently.”
