LONDON — Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has made a surprising coaching announcement ahead of the grass-court season, with Mark Petchey notably absent from her training sessions at the Queen's Club. The British tennis star, who has been experimenting with different coaching setups since her historic Grand Slam win, has yet to confirm whether Petchey will remain part of her team.
Raducanu, 21, has been spotted practising at the prestigious Queen's Club in West London, fine-tuning her game ahead of Wimbledon. Observers noted the absence of Petchey, who had been working with her in recent months. Instead, she was seen hitting under the guidance of her longtime hitting partner, Raymond Sarmiento, sparking speculation about another potential coaching change.
Raducanu's Coaching Carousel Continues
Since her breakthrough at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu has cycled through multiple coaches, including Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, and Dmitry Tursunov. Petchey, a former British player and respected analyst, had stepped in earlier this year to provide guidance. However, his absence at Queen's raises questions about the stability of her coaching setup.
A source close to Raducanu's camp told The Telegraph: "Emma is still evaluating her options. She values Mark's input, but she's also keen to explore what works best for her game long-term."
Grass-Court Preparations Underway
Raducanu's training at Queen's Club suggests a strong focus on adapting to grass ahead of Wimbledon, where she will aim to improve on her second-round exit last year. The 2021 US Open champion has struggled with injuries and form since her meteoric rise but remains a fan favorite on home soil.
Key aspects of her recent sessions include:
- Improved serve placement and consistency
- Aggressive baseline play to capitalize on grass-court speed
- Footwork drills to adjust to the low bounce
Quotes from the Court
A spectator at Queen's Club noted Raducanu's intensity, stating: "She looked sharp, moving well and hitting with purpose. There was no sign of discomfort, which is a positive sign after her injury struggles."
Meanwhile, Petchey has remained publicly supportive, tweeting last week: "Emma’s work ethic is unmatched. Whatever she decides, she’ll give it everything."
What’s Next for Raducanu?
With Wimbledon just weeks away, Raducanu faces a critical decision on her coaching team. A stable partnership could be key to recapturing her best form. She is expected to compete in at least one warm-up event before SW19, with Nottingham and Eastbourne as potential options.
Tennis analyst Laura Robson weighed in: "Emma’s talent is undeniable, but continuity in coaching could help her build momentum. Grass suits her game, so this is a big opportunity."
Conclusion
As Raducanu continues her preparations at Queen's Club, the absence of Mark Petchey adds another layer of intrigue to her 2024 season. Whether this signals a permanent split or a temporary adjustment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—all eyes will be on her as she aims to make another deep run at Wimbledon.
For now, Raducanu appears focused on the task at hand. As she told reporters recently: "I’m just taking it day by day, working on my game, and staying positive. The grass season is always special, and I can’t wait to compete."