Emma Raducanu’s Coach Urges Critics to Move Beyond 2021

Mark Petchey, Emma Raducanu’s coach, has come to her defense in light of criticism regarding her work ethic, advising detractors to stop measuring her against her remarkable 2021 US Open victory.

Raducanu began her French Open campaign on a high note, securing a win against Wang Xinyu in the first round. However, she faced a tough challenge in the following round against Iga Swiatek, who has been unbeaten at Roland Garros since 2021, resulting in a 6-1, 6-2 defeat. This match mirrored her earlier result against Coco Gauff in the fourth round of the Italian Open, which ended her streak of promising performances. Despite the setbacks, Raducanu’s recent play has seen her ranked around No. 37 in the world, putting her in contention for a seeding (top 32 players) at Wimbledon, provided she performs well on grass.

Petchey, who is not only Raducanu’s coach but also a broadcaster, shared his insights with TNT Sports: “She doesn’t need to settle for a ranking between 20 and 50. If I’m not suitable, she should find someone who is. Iga’s winning streak is exceptional; you can’t achieve success like that in majors unless your game is incredibly challenging. It was always going to be a major test for Emma yesterday.”

Petchey further commented on the unrealistic expectations surrounding Raducanu, stating, “It’s difficult for Emma right now. It feels like everyone’s mindset is still back in 2021. The game has evolved significantly; the balls are much heavier compared to 2021. Emma isn’t among the hardest hitters, and on a challenging clay day, if you can’t push the ball past your opponent, trouble is inevitable.”

He expressed his agreement with Mats Wilander, who suggested during a show that Raducanu should focus on playing for the next two years before making final judgments about her career. Petchey emphasized, “This is the start of her career now. People will compare her to 2021, but my hope is for her to begin building a career where she can be evaluated over a longer period, similar to others like Jack Draper and Jacob Fearnley. Unfortunately, Emma feels as if she is moving in reverse.”

Petchey also aimed to dispel myths about Raducanu’s work ethic, stating, “I’m quite tired of the narrative that she doesn’t work hard. I spent ten months with her in 2020 and have been with her consistently since Miami, and she has always put in full days. While there may be areas where we can enhance her game, she shows up ready to work every single time. It’s time to put that myth to rest.”

Following Raducanu’s exit in the second round, the remaining two British players in the women’s singles also faced elimination. Katie Boulter was unable to overcome Madison Keys, the Australian Open champion, losing 6-1, 6-3. Boulter, who is transitioning to grass after a successful clay season, aims to secure a Wimbledon seeding from her projected No. 34 ranking.

Boulter reflected on her experience, stating, “I am pleased with having played six solid matches here on clay. I didn’t achieve that last year, so I’m seeing growth. I’m looking to enhance my performance and reach higher standings but recognize that sometimes match-ups can be tough. The major difference between me and players like Keys is that she is consistently delivering high-quality tennis.”

Sonay Kartal also bowed out in the second round at Roland Garros but continues to make strides in her career. After a 6-1, 6-4 loss to Marie Bouzkova, Kartal is set to enter the grass-court season ranked as high as No. 50 in the world, depending on the performances of other lower-ranked players in Paris. “Reaching the top 50 was my goal for the year, and I’m proud to have accomplished it. Now, my focus will be on maintaining that ranking going forward,” she stated.

Just a year ago, Kartal began her season on grass, ranked No. 262, and has since made impressive progress, celebrating her first grand-slam main draw victories in both Wimbledon and Roland Garros, as well as reaching the fourth round at Indian Wells. She is set to compete in the HSBC Championships at Queen’s starting June 7, with a positive outlook.