Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and World No. 38, has candidly discussed her frequent coaching changes, revealing she often “couldn’t speak out” about the challenges due to the intense scrutiny following her rapid rise to fame. In a June 26, 2025, interview with *BBC Sport* at Queen’s Club, Raducanu addressed the criticism surrounding her nine coaching changes in four years, saying, “It’s hard when you’re under so much pressure and expectation—you feel like you can’t speak out about why things didn’t work. I’m learning to balance loyalty with what I need on the court.” Her comments come as she prepares for Wimbledon 2025, starting June 30, with Mark Petchey and Nick Cavaday in her corner.
Raducanu’s coaching carousel began after her 2021 US Open triumph under Andrew Richardson, whom she parted ways with, citing a need for more tour experience, per *Forbes*. She explained to *BBC Radio 4* in 2023 that some coaches, including Nigel Sears, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Sebastian Sachs, couldn’t keep up with her “provoking” questions, stating, “I challenge their thinking, and if they can’t answer, it’s hard to move forward.” This intellectual curiosity, while a strength, led to short stints, with Tursunov noting “red flags” from external influences, per *Sky Sports*. Her brief trial with Vladimir Platenik in March 2025 lasted just 14 days, ending due to a lack of chemistry, though Platenik praised her rapid improvement, per *The Independent*.[](https://x.com/BBCSport/status/1715293449514111382)[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/timellis/2023/10/27/emma-raducanu-calls-out-the-coaches-who-cant-keep-up/)[](https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/19514/12988205/raducanu-my-former-coaches-couldnt-keep-up-with-my-questions)
Her father, Ian, has been a polarizing figure, with former coach Philippe Dehaes describing his “mathematical” control as making coaching “very difficult,” per *The Mirror US*. Platenik, however, noted Ian’s supportive nature, saying he was thanked profusely during their brief tenure, per *Express.co.uk*. Raducanu defended her loyalty in 2024, telling *The Independent*, “It’s never been my philosophy to chop and change coaches. I’m a very loyal person,” despite public perception, fueled by Sue Barker’s shock at her split with Richardson, per *motociclismo.pt*.[](https://www.themirror.com/sport/tennis/emma-raducanu-dad-coach-interview-1173084)[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2057849/Emma-Raducanu-dad-coach-Vladimir-Platenik)[](https://motociclismo.pt/en/emma-raducanu-ignites-tennis-debate-after-shocking-coaching-changes-as-legendary-sue-barker-questions-her-decisions/)
Now working with Petchey and Cavaday, whom she trusts from her junior days, Raducanu feels more settled, per *tennis365.com*. Nick Kyrgios recently sympathized, telling *talkSPORT* he feels “sorry” for the pressure she faces and advised finding a coach who prioritizes her well-being, per *tennis365.com*. As she faces a tough Wimbledon draw, potentially meeting Marketa Vondrousova and Aryna Sabalenka, Raducanu’s openness about her struggles highlights her resilience amid relentless off-court challenges, including stalking incidents, per *BBC Sport*.
