Emma Raducanu’s decision to bring back Mark Petchey for Indian Wells has put her in the spotlight again.
The move comes after the 22-year-old parted ways with Francisco Roig, following a disappointing run at the Australian Open.
Coaching changes have always been a talking point in Raducanu’s career, and this latest switch only adds to that narrative.
But Raducanu has made it clear she won’t be making any quick decisions about her next coach, and she explained why things didn’t work out with Roig.
Raducanu opens up on her departure from Francisco Roig
Speaking to Sky Sports, Raducanu shared that it was actually Roig who initiated their split, despite her own pointed comments about his methods following the Australian Open.
She explained: “After Australia, me and Francis were talking. We have a great relationship, we could have a really open and honest conversation.
“He ended up saying, ‘look, I don’t think this is going in the way we both want it to’ so he ended it really.
“In a way I think we had a few moments where we weren’t agreeing on a few things. Other than that we still maintain a great relationship and I’ve seen him here, it’s been great to a see a familiar, great face around.”
Elsewhere, Tim Henman told Raducanu what she must change to get closer to Aryna Sabalenka and the game’s other top players.
Emma Raducanu says a new coach isn’t a priority right now
Speaking to BBC Sport, Raducanu made it clear she doesn’t feel the need to bring in another coach at this point.
The 22-year-old isn’t looking to hire someone unless they fully understand her approach and what she wants from her game.
She explained: “So 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.
“It’s just that I would rather someone not come in and tell me ‘let’s do this’, and I disagree with it but have to listen to them.”
Players who have gone without a coach
Raducanu wouldn’t be the first player to go without a coach if she chose to move forward that way.
Nick Kyrgios is probably the most well-known example, having reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 without anyone offering him tactical advice from his box.
John McEnroe also never had a full-time coach, and Roger Federer went through his incredible run from 2003 to 2004 without one as well.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is another notable name who went an extended period on his own, spending 18 months solo and making two Wimbledon semi-finals during that stretch.
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