“No manual could explain what was going to happen in her life,” Raducanu’s ex-Coach emphasizes need to ‘block out the noise’

Former Emma Raducanu’s coach spoke about the 2021 US Open champion’s 'stubborn' approach to work. The former world No. 10 became the first player to win a Grand Slam coming from the qualifiers at just 18 years old.

Since then, the Brit has generated high expectations but has struggled to meet them due to constant injuries. Raducanu underwent surgeries on both wrists in 2023 and returned in 2024, alternating between good results and early exits with a limited schedule, finishing the season in the top 60.

Her former coach Mark Petchey, who worked with her before she won the US Open, spoke about Raducanu’s determination and ‘stubborn’ approach. “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.”

Raducanu worked with five different coaches over 18 months while trying to regain the outstanding form she showed at Flushing Meadows. However, she has yet to fully convince, despite clear growth in 2024. “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.”

“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,” he commented, adding the importance of Raducanu not getting carried away by external factors. “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,” Petchey added. “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.”