Emma Raducanu is back on court at the Madrid Open following a short break from the tour. The British No. 2 hasn’t competed since reaching her first WTA 1000 quarter-final in Miami last month, where she lost to Jessica Pegula. After withdrawing from both the Billie Jean King Cup and the WTA 250 in Rouen, Raducanu opted for a 10-day training block in Los Angeles to reset and focus on her game.
Ahead of her opening match in Madrid, the 22-year-old reflected on the importance of pacing herself through a long season.
“I’ve realised now that less is more for me sometimes,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “I work intensely and can overdo it. Now it’s about making the time I spend on court really count and switching off when I’m done.”
During her break, she trained with Mark Petchey—former coach of Andy Murray and a familiar face from her early career. Petchey assisted Raducanu in Miami and continues to support her in Madrid, albeit on an informal basis.
“We haven’t made anything formal,” she said. “It’s working really well for now. I’ve known Mark a long time and trust him. He brings a great balance of intense work and meaningful conversations off-court.”
Raducanu had previously trialed a coaching partnership with Vladimir Platenik, but that ended prior to Miami. In Spain, she’ll once again be supported by Petchey and long-time friend and mentor Jane O’Donoghue.
The world No. 49 also addressed the tight tour schedule and her decision to take time off.
“People need matches, yes—but they also need breathing space. After Miami, I knew I needed that break. I’m trying to take things day by day.”
She opens her Madrid campaign against world No. 73 Suzan Lamens, who recently defeated Katie Boulter in the BJK Cup and made the semi-finals in Rouen.
As Raducanu continues to adjust her approach and explore what works best for her, she’s focused on maintaining balance—on and off the court.
