Emma Raducanu Seeks Return to Instinctive Play, Open to Coaching But Wary of Scrutiny

British number one Emma Raducanu is prioritizing a return to her natural playing style, acknowledging that previous coaching directives have stifled her instincts. The 2021 US Open champion is currently at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, exploring guidance from multiple sources rather than committing to a single, full-time coach.

Navigating a Coaching Crossroads

Raducanu’s partnership with Francisco Roig ended after the Australian Open in January, stemming from disagreements about her playing style. This marked the seventh full-time coach she has worked with since her breakthrough US Open victory. She expressed a desire to avoid a situation where a coach dictates her game, fearing the pressure and scrutiny that would accompany such a dynamic.

“Right now, it’s more about bringing my instincts back out, getting back in touch with myself,” Raducanu told BBC Sport. “I have had a lot of people telling me what to do, how to play, and it hasn’t necessarily fit. So I want to arrive back to my natural way of playing. That takes time to relearn because that’s something that has been coached out of me a little bit.”

Raducanu is currently working with hitting partner Alexis Canter and receiving support from Mark Petchey, who previously assisted her during a successful period last spring and summer. She remains open to the idea of a full-time coach, but with reservations.

“I don’t necessarily want to have one coach in the role because anyone I bring in is straight away going to be scrutinised – even if it’s a trial. I might feel the pressure to stick with them, even if it’s not necessarily the right decision,” she stated.

Physical Resilience as a Key Focus

Beyond the coaching situation, experts emphasize the importance of Raducanu’s physical development. Tim Henman believes improving her physical resilience is paramount to competing with the top players in the world.

“It’s still too stop-start,” Henman said. “She has to become physically more resilient to be stronger and faster to then compete with the biggest hitters and the best players.”

Henman highlighted the physical prowess of players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina, noting that Raducanu needs to close the gap in that area. Although acknowledging potential limitations due to her physique, he believes improvement is crucial.

2025 Season Review and Future Outlook

Raducanu’s 2025 season saw her complete a half-century of matches for the first time in her career, achieving a semi-final showing in Washington, a quarter-final in Miami, and a last-16 appearance in Rome. Despite these successes, she faced challenges with illness and a recurring back injury, ultimately curtailing her season early.

Despite the setbacks, 2025 was Raducanu’s best year since winning the US Open, and she currently holds a world ranking of 24 – her highest since 2022. She has 11 weeks to recover and train for the 2026 season, with her partnership with coach Francisco Roig continuing.

Raducanu’s focus remains on rediscovering her natural game and building the physical foundation necessary to consistently compete at the highest level.