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Following a short respite, Emma Raducanu is set to compete at this week’s Madrid Open. The British No. 2 tennis player returns to the court after last competing in Miami nearly a month ago where she reached the quarter-finals. She withdrew from two tournaments to focus on an intensive training period. Raducanu is now prepared to compete, supported by an informal coaching setup.
Raducanu Returns to Competition with “Informal” Team
Ahead of her matches on the Spanish clay, the 22-year-old spoke about her time away from competition and provided updates on her coaching situation. There were reports suggesting she wanted Mark Petchey to join her team in a full-time role. Petchey, a commentator for Tennis Channel, assisted Raducanu in Miami and will support her in Madrid.
Prioritizing Rest and Recovery
Raducanu achieved her first WTA 1000 quarter-final in Miami last month but ultimately lost to Jessica Pegula. Choosing to prioritize her physical well-being, she opted out of Britain’s BJK Cup matches and the WTA 250 event in Rouen.
Instead, the world No. 49 spent 10 days training in Los Angeles with Petchey. Raducanu acknowledged that taking a break from tournaments was a tough decision.
However, the former US Open champion now understands the importance of finding equilibrium and occasionally easing off.
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“I’ve realised now that less is more for me sometimes. I work really intense and really hard and can definitely be partial to overkilling it sometimes,” she told Sky Sports prior to her first match in Madrid.
“It’s just making sure when I’m on the court I’m maxing out for X amount of time so I can focus, and then once I’m done, I’m switching off better.”
Navigating a Hectic Schedule
Raducanu recognizes the importance of match play but also emphasizes the need for downtime amidst a demanding schedule. “I’m trying to take it day-by-day, but I knew at that point in the season [post-Miami Open] I needed some time off,” she added.
Coaching Dynamics
The world No. 49 is also continuing her coaching arrangement with Petchey on an informal basis. Prior to Indian Wells, Raducanu trialed Vladimir Platenik as a coach. However, he was absent during her opening match in Miami, and Raducanu later confirmed their trial had concluded.
Instead, she was supported by Jane O’Donoghue, a long-time friend and mentor, and Petchey, who paused his commentary work to assist her. This same setup will be in place during her time in Spain.
- “We haven’t made anything formal. It’s pretty informal for now but is something that’s going really well,” she commented on her collaboration with Petchey.
- “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.”
Focus on Personal Growth
“I’m still figuring things out: what works for me, what doesn’t. What gets the best out of me. For now, I’m not getting as technical as I used to maybe.”
Petchey – who previously worked with Raducanu before her breakthrough in 2021 and has also coached Andy Murray – has also been aiding the 22-year-old with her overall balance.
- She added: “I did some great work with Mark out there, it was nice to be around him, not just on the court.”
- “He’s someone I get on really well with, and we always have very thought-provoking, interesting conversations. It was a perfect balance of work and being relaxed off the court.”
Raducanu will commence her Madrid Open campaign against world No. 73 Suzan Lamens, who recently defeated Katie Boulter during the BJK Cup and reached the Rouen semi-final.