"I’m not sure how that can last as it is": Dan Evans casts doubt over Emma Raducanu, Mark Petchey partnership

Britain’s Dan Evans has expressed concerns about the future of Emma Raducanu’s partnership with Mark Petchey. The 22-year-old, who was once regarded as the next big thing after winning the US Open at the age of just 18, has often been criticised for changing too many coaches.

Raducanu has struggled with form in recent years, which led her to make changes in the coaching staff. She appointed Petchey, who has experience working with former world number one Serena Williams, Andy Murray, and Maria Sharapova.

British player Evans recently spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live, where he expressed doubt about the partnership of Raducanu with Petchey. The 34-year-old stated that, in his opinion, the former world number 10 will be looking for a new coach soon. "It can’t last if she starts losing matches and Petchey is in the commentary box, that’s not going to work," he said. "I think Emma will be looking for a new coach again pretty soon if she starts to lose some matches on the grass into the US swing. I’m not sure how that can last as it is."

Most recently, Raducanu shared the experience of working with Petchey in a detailed interview with Sky Sports. "He's not a super technical coach, there are certain tweaks, as always, but that is something I am going away from," she said. "I have been very technical in the past, there has been a time and a place for that because I needed to make improvements. But from now on, it's more about doing the right things, taking the ball on more, and just repetition of certain drills and patterns, which he is very good at setting up. It's a good challenge for my game. I want to work on doing things differently to try and bridge the gap between where I am now and where I want to be. I'm going to use the season to take pressure off, try and be more aggressive and play the way I want to more so, so it can help me on the other surfaces."