Emma Raducanu’s ex-coach gives brutally honest verdict on ‘stubborn’

Emma Raducanu’s former coach Mark Petchey doesn’t think that every questionable move the “stubborn” 21-year-old has made over the last couple of years should necessarily be considered “a bad decision” as he believes she will learn from everything and ultimately get to where she wants to be. 

Since becoming a Grand Slam champion in one of the most unique ways possible, the 2021 US Open champion hasn’t won any titles nor managed to establish herself as one of the best players in the game as some tipped her. And after the Briton started to struggle with her game and results, it led to scrutiny and she has since become one of the most criticized players.

One of the first things that was used to criticize the 21-year-old was her frequent coaching changes. Then, some also claimed that she wasn’t focused enough on tennis and that it was leading to constant injuries and poor results. 

This year, Raducanu didn’t have to deal with that criticism because she didn’t change coaches or battled injuries. But she has been scrutinized over some other things as many think she has been making some pretty questionable scheduling decisions over the year. 

Most recently, the former world No. 10 started her North American hard-court swing in the opening week in Washington but then went without action until the US Open although she was healthy. Addressing her scheduling, the 21-year-old insisted that she knew what she was doing but then lost in the first round at Flushing Meadows and later broke down in tears.

Petchey: She’s stubborn, but you don’t make mistakes at Raducanu’s age…

Petchey, who worked with Andy Murray at the start of the former three-time Grand Slam champion’s career, also had a chance to work with the 2021 US Open before she became known on the tennis scene. Reflecting on her fast start to her career and everything that has happened since, the British coach and commentator acknowledges it has been “bumpy” but remains…