Emma Raducanu Seeks Fresh Direction as She Looks to “Tap Into a Few People” Over Coaching

The road back to consistency in professional tennis can be a winding one, and for Emma Raducanu, that journey now involves a search for balance rather than a single guiding voice. The British number one says she plans to “tap into a few people” for guidance as she tries to rediscover the instinctive brand of tennis that once propelled her to global stardom.

Nearly five years on from her remarkable triumph at the 2021 US Open, Raducanu finds herself in a period of reflection and recalibration. Speaking ahead of her return to action at Indian Wells, the 22-year-old made it clear that her current focus is less about adding another permanent coach and more about reconnecting with the natural rhythm of her game.

It’s an approach that reflects both experience and caution. After working with several different coaches in a relatively short span of time, Raducanu now wants space to listen to her own instincts again.

Emma Raducanu Plans to “Tap Into a Few People” While Rebuilding Her Game

Raducanu’s most recent coaching partnership ended shortly after the Australian Open, when she parted ways with Spanish coach Francisco Roig. The split reportedly stemmed from a difference of opinion regarding her playing style — an issue Raducanu openly acknowledged while speaking with BBC Sport during practice in California.

For Raducanu, the core of the issue has been a growing sense that too many external voices have gradually diluted the natural instincts that once defined her tennis.

After completing a lengthy two-hour training session under the warm Californian sun, she spoke candidly about where she believes her game stands.

Rather than rushing into another full-time partnership, Raducanu is deliberately taking a step back.

She explained that the priority now is rediscovering the instinctive decisions and aggressive shot-making that once came naturally to her. The teenager who stunned the tennis world in New York in 2021 played with fearless spontaneity — stepping inside the baseline, striking early, and trusting her instincts without hesitation.

Over time, however, layers of technical instruction and tactical adjustments have complicated that simplicity.

Raducanu believes it will take time to return to that freer style.

“I’ve had a lot of people telling me what to do and how to play,” she said. “Sometimes it hasn’t really fit. So now I just want to reconnect with my natural game again.”

That process, she admits, is not something that can be fixed overnight.

Relearning instinct is not quite the same as building technique; it requires confidence, patience, and a willingness to trust the feel of the moment rather than a strict plan.

Emma Raducanu Wary of Coaching Spotlight and Media Scrutiny

Another factor shaping Raducanu’s thinking is the intense scrutiny that inevitably surrounds any coaching appointment in her camp.

Since her US Open triumph, every coaching decision has attracted attention. Each new partnership has been analysed, debated and, in some cases, criticised before it even had time to develop.

Raducanu is keenly aware of that environment.

The pressure, she says, can sometimes create a situation where a partnership feels locked in before it has even been properly tested.

“I don’t necessarily want one coach in the role right now,” she explained. “Because anyone who comes in immediately becomes a big talking point.”

Even if a coach were initially brought in on a trial basis, the outside noise could make it difficult to move on if the relationship didn’t feel right.

That reality has led Raducanu to adopt a more flexible structure for the time being — drawing insight from different people rather than committing to a single permanent voice.

Still, she insists the door is not closed.

Raducanu says she would welcome a long-term coach if the right fit eventually emerges. But finding someone who aligns with her vision of how the game should be played may take time.

“I’d love to find someone who works really well,” she said. “But finding the person who ticks every box isn’t easy.”

Mark Petchey Rejoins Emma Raducanu at Indian Wells

Among the figures currently helping Raducanu is Mark Petchey, a familiar face in British tennis circles.

Petchey, who once coached Andy Murray early in his career, has been spending time on court with Raducanu at Indian Wells. While his primary job remains as a broadcaster with the Tennis Channel, his presence at the tournament has allowed him to provide some practical assistance.

For Raducanu, the arrangement feels comfortable.

Petchey previously worked with her during last year’s Miami Open, when she produced one of her most encouraging runs since returning from injury by reaching the quarter-finals. He also remained involved through the clay-court swing, including a solid showing in Rome, where Raducanu reached the fourth round.

Those experiences created a sense of familiarity that Raducanu values.

She says their working dynamic feels natural, something that has helped restore her enjoyment on the practice court.

“I work really well with him,” Raducanu said. “I’m really happy when we’re on court together.”

The collaboration remains informal for now, but it’s possible that Petchey could once again play an occasional advisory role throughout the season.

Alexis Canter Provides Quiet Support Behind the Scenes

While Petchey’s presence has drawn attention, Raducanu has also been working closely with Alexis Canter, who currently forms part of her support team.

Canter, who has more limited coaching experience, tends to take a quieter role when Petchey is on court. Nevertheless, he has been a steady presence around Raducanu’s training environment.

Their working relationship stretches back several months. Canter served as a hitting partner during Raducanu’s strong run to the semi-finals in Washington last summer, and he was also alongside her in Cluj earlier this year when she reached the second WTA final of her career.

That familiarity has made him a valuable day-to-day presence, particularly during training sessions.

Raducanu appears comfortable with the collaborative setup, where input comes from multiple sources rather than a single voice dictating strategy.

Emma Raducanu Targets Fresh Start After Difficult Middle East Swing

Raducanu arrives at Indian Wells hoping to reset after a difficult Middle Eastern swing earlier in the year.

She failed to win a match in either Doha or Dubai, with illness playing a significant role in her struggles. A chest infection disrupted her preparation and left her physically below her best.

Now fully recovered, Raducanu believes the extended training period in California has helped her regain rhythm.

Indian Wells offers a slightly unusual challenge for players. The thin desert air and intense sunshine can alter ball flight and court conditions, requiring adjustments in timing and movement.

Raducanu has spent the past week adapting to those factors, building up her practice intensity ahead of her opening match.

As the world number 24, she received a first-round bye and will begin her campaign in the second round against Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova.

It’s the kind of match that offers opportunity — but also danger — for a player searching for momentum.

Rediscovering the Instinctive Emma Raducanu

Ultimately, Raducanu’s current philosophy revolves around simplicity.

She wants to play the way she did as a teenager — stepping forward, striking early, and committing to aggressive patterns without overthinking.

After her exit from the Australian Open earlier this year, she summed up that philosophy in straightforward terms: hit the ball early, hit it hard, and aim for the corners.

That directness once made her one of the most exciting young players in the sport.

If Raducanu can reconnect with that version of herself, Indian Wells could become more than just another stop on the tour calendar.

It could mark the beginning of a new chapter — one where instinct once again leads the way.