Emma Raducanu’s previous mentor, Mark Petchey, expressed his belief that it will pose challenges for the young British tennis sensation to secure another Grand Slam victory. However, Petchey remains confident that Raducanu can achieve success by adjusting her playing style to counter the formidable “big hitters.”
Raducanu faced a disappointing defeat in straight sets against the ninth-ranked Elena Rybakin during the third round of the US Open, halting her aspirations of clinching another major title, reminiscent of her remarkable triumph at the same event four years ago.
Following her breakthrough win, Raducanu has undergone coaching transitions, including a brief collaboration with Petchey earlier this year. Despite later enlisting the services of Francis Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former coach, for the US Open, Raducanu’s campaign did not unfold as planned, despite a promising start.
Petchey emphasized that Raducanu’s success hinges on enhancing her baseline game and maintaining a consistent serve to better compete against formidable opponents like Rybakin, Aryna Sabalenka, and Amanda Anisimova.
In reflecting on Raducanu’s recent loss to Rybakin, Petchey highlighted the significance of Raducanu’s strategic gameplay, emphasizing her strengths in redirecting the ball from the baseline and creating movement to unsettle her opponents. He noted the importance of continual improvement in these areas to overcome challenges posed by powerful opponents.
Looking ahead, Raducanu’s upcoming focus will be on the Korea Open in Seoul, where she secured a wildcard entry. This decision followed her surprising choice to decline participation in the Billie Jean King Cup finals in China.
As Raducanu prepares for future competitions, the tennis world anticipates her continued growth and development on the court, aiming for future successes amidst a competitive landscape.