Emma Raducanu, the British tennis star, is on a mission to reclaim her natural playing style, free from the constraints of a single coach's influence. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Raducanu expressed her determination to rediscover her innate tennis abilities, which she believes have been somewhat stifled by coaching interventions.
The 23-year-old's journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. After a promising start to the season, Raducanu faced setbacks, including an underprepared Australian Open due to a foot injury and a subsequent split with coach Francisco Roig. Despite these hurdles, she demonstrated resilience by reaching her first final since the US Open in Romania.
Raducanu's current coaching setup involves Mark Petchey, who served as an ad hoc coach during the spring and summer, and her hitting partner, Alexis Canter, providing day-to-day support. However, she remains open to the idea of hiring a full-time coach, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit.
While coaching strategies are a focal point, Raducanu's compatriot and former world No 4, Tim Henman, believes that physical resilience and strength should be the primary focus. He highlights the need for Raducanu to enhance her physical capabilities to compete with the top hitters in the sport.
Henman acknowledges Raducanu's attacking baseline playing style but suggests that physical improvements, such as increased strength and speed, could elevate her game to the next level. He draws comparisons to players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, emphasizing the importance of physical prowess in modern tennis.
As Raducanu continues her journey, the tennis world awaits her resurgence, hoping that she can rediscover her natural playing style and achieve even greater success on the court.
