2 weeks Ago By Yasmin Syed
Emma Raducanu is no stranger to scrutiny. Since making history at the 2021 US Open, when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title, the Brit’s every move has come under question. And the world No.
49 has left fans divided once again with two of her recent decisions. The 22-year-old skipped Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup ties earlier this month, opting to “look after” her body instead of representing her country. Fans can’t agree on whether she made the right call, while her “informal” partnership with Mark Petchey has also split opinion.
Raducanu enjoyed a great run to the Miami Open quarter-final last month, her best showing at any WTA 1000 tournament. But, instead of carrying her momentum straight into the clay season, she took a brief break. The world No.
49 was named in GB’s original team line-up for their BJK Cup qualifier ties but pulled out and said she needed to look after her body after several consecutive weeks of competition, instead opting for a training block. She also skipped the WTA 250 in Rouen and only returned at the Madrid Open earlier this week. Her decision to step back has caused a divide, 42 per cent of Express Sport readers believe she was right not to play the BJK Cup, while 58 per cent believe she should have represented her country.
Raducanu is no stranger to physical setbacks, so it has been crucial to ensure that she doesn’t overplay and risk getting injured. Instead, she had a 10-day training block in Los Angeles with Petchey. One of Andy Murray ’s former coaches, Petchey also worked with Raducanu before her breakout summer in 2021.
The Brit is currently a commentator for Tennis Channel but decided to help Raducanu out during the Miami Open. Since then, reports have emerged that Raducanu wants to hire Petchey full-time for her team , though they will need to reach an agreement that also considers his Tennis Channel job. He joined her team again for the Madrid Open, but ahead of the tournament, the world No.
49 confirmed their current arrangement was “informal”. Raducanu’s work with Petchey is another topic fans are struggling to agree on, as 57 per cent want him to coach the former US Open champion full-time, and 43 per cent don’t think he should become a permanent member of the team. It could be a while before Raducanu and Petchey make anything official, as the 22-year-old recently told Sky Sports: “We haven't made anything formal.
It's pretty informal for now but is something that's going really well. “He's someone I feel I can trust because I've known him so long. For now, it's working really well and it's nice to be with someone that I feel comfortable with.
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