‘Too many voices’ – Raducanu reflects on frequent coaching changes

2026-03-05 - 11:27

By Enitan Abdultawab British number one Emma Raducanu has opened up about the challenges of constantly changing coaches and her determination to reconnect with her natural style of play. Speaking ahead of Indian Wells 2026, the 2021 US Open champion said she wants to “tap into a few people” for guidance rather than commit immediately to another full-time coach. Her most recent split came after the Australian Open, when her partnership with Francisco Roig ended over disagreements about her playing style — the seventh full-time coach she has worked with. “Right now, it’s more about bringing my instincts back out, getting back in touch with myself. I’ve had a lot of people telling me what to do and how to play, and it hasn’t necessarily fit. I want to come 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. 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.” Raducanu acknowledged that finding the right coach isn’t simple. She fears that any full-time appointment would instantly be scrutinised, and she might feel pressured to stick with someone even if the fit isn’t right. “I would love to have a coach that works well, but I don’t think it’s easy to find one person who checks every box,” she said. “I don’t want someone to come in and tell me ‘let’s do this’ and feel I have to follow even if I disagree.” Former Andy Murray coach Mark Petchey has been helping her on a day-to-day basis at Indian Wells, reprising an informal role he held last season. Raducanu said she works well with Petchey and has noticed improvements in her comfort and confidence on court. “I work really well when I’m with him,” she said. “I’m really happy to be on the court and just really enjoy it overall. I’m not sure, going forward, what it will look like.” After a difficult Middle East swing affected by illness, Raducanu is now fit and ready to compete, emphasising that the best way to climb the rankings is by trusting her instincts regardless of who is in the coaching box.