How ‘Free Spirit’ Emma Raducanu is Thriving Without a Coach

Emma Raducanu Rediscovers Her Game in Miami

Emma Raducanu has always done things her own way. Whether it was winning the US Open as a teenage qualifier, rotating through a string of coaches, or structuring her season differently from the norm, the British tennis star has never been afraid to take an unconventional route.

Now, at 22 years old, she is proving once again that her instincts might just be right.

At the Miami Open, Raducanu has stormed into the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career—without a full-time coach. Her 4th consecutive victory, a commanding win over 17th seed Amanda Anisimova, is her longest winning streak since that unforgettable run to the 2021 US Open title.

“I’d say I’m a bit of a free spirit, so I don’t need restrictions or being told what to do,” Raducanu said after her win. “I think when I’m being really authentic, that’s when I’m playing my best.”

With a quarter-final showdown against Jessica Pegula looming, many are now asking: Does Raducanu even need a full-time coach?

What Has Changed for Raducanu?

Emma Raducanu celebrates at the Miami Open

Raducanu’s career has been anything but conventional. From her rapid rise to Grand Slam glory, to the injuries and setbacks that followed, she has consistently made bold decisions—sometimes with mixed results.

Her latest move? Parting ways with Slovakian coach Vladimir Platenik just before the Miami Open.

Initially, the decision raised eyebrows. But after a career-best run in a WTA 1000 event, it seems to have paid off.

Raducanu has been playing with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence, something that has been missing since her US Open triumph.

“I feel when I am boxed into a regimented way, I am not able to express myself in the same way,” she told Sky Sports.

Rather than a traditional full-time coach, Raducanu has surrounded herself with trusted figures. In Miami, she has been working with Mark Petchey, a well-respected voice in British tennis who previously coached Andy Murray and worked with Raducanu during her junior years.

Petchey, alongside Jane O’Donoghue (a longtime mentor) and fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, has helped create a more relaxed approach, emphasizing shorter, more efficient training sessions and having fun on court.

“This week has been a great eye-opener. When I’m happy and expressive and myself, I play my best tennis,” Raducanu said.

Could this be the formula for long-term success?

Does Raducanu Need a Full-Time Coach?

Jane O’Donoghue and Mark Petchey support Emma Raducanu at the Miami Open

Raducanu’s coaching carousel has been well-documented. In just two years, she has worked with five different coaches, with each departure sparking debate.

Her explanation?

“I challenge and provoke my coaches a lot,” she said in 2023, suggesting that her high expectations might explain the constant turnover.

After recovering from wrist and ankle surgeries, Raducanu began 2024 with childhood coach Nick Cavaday, a move that provided much-needed stability. But when Cavaday stepped down in January due to health reasons, her father secured the services of Platenik—a partnership that barely lasted two months.

Now, after thriving without a coach in Miami, the big question is: Does Raducanu even need one?

Nick Kyrgios, never one to shy away from controversy, chimed in on social media, calling coaches “overrated” and pointing to Raducanu’s success without one as proof.

“People awfully quiet now that Raducanu is winning—where are all the experts now?” Kyrgios posted on X.

Of course, elite tennis players without full-time coaches are rare. One of the few examples is Kyrgios himself, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final without a coach.

Raducanu appears open to finding a long-term coach, but with the season already well underway, the options are limited. For now, she seems comfortable keeping things flexible.

“Emma has been fairly vocal that she is comfortable switching coaches—and that’s her prerogative,” said former British No.1 Tim Henman, who has advised her in the past.

Can Raducanu Maintain This Level?

One of the biggest criticisms of Raducanu since her US Open win has been her ability to sustain success. Injuries, inconsistency, and frequent disruptions have made it difficult for her to string together strong results.

This season hasn’t been smooth either—a back injury, a traumatic stalking incident in Dubai, and coaching uncertainty have all played a role.

But her performances in Miami have been a reminder of just how good she can be.

“I think I’ve rediscovered my competitive spirit. That’s been missing at times in the last few years,” she admitted.

Her gritty win over world No.10 Emma Navarro was a statement. Beating McCartney Kessler and Amanda Anisimova convincingly only reinforced her momentum.

However, sustaining this level over a full season is the real challenge.

According to Henman, the key factor has been playing more tournaments.

Raducanu has competed in seven events this year—more than she has ever played in the opening three months of a season. The result? Improved durability, match sharpness, and mental toughness.

Her ranking will now climb back into the top 50 for the first time since August 2022.

“It’s easy to look at results, but the bigger picture is her tournament play—that’s a big positive,” Henman said.
“She’s a great player and should be knocking on the door of the top 30 soon, maybe even the top 20 if she stays healthy.”

Final Thoughts: The Raducanu Rebuild is Real

For the first time in a long while, Emma Raducanu looks like she’s enjoying her tennis again.

She has found a balance between structure and freedom, surrounding herself with familiar faces rather than a strict coaching setup. The results speak for themselves.

Will she eventually hire a full-time coach? Probably. But for now, she’s proving that she can thrive without one.

With momentum back on her side, the next challenge is sustaining this form—something she has struggled with in the past.

But if the Miami Open is anything to go by, this could be the start of a genuine resurgence.

And that is something the tennis world has been waiting for.