As Wimbledon approaches, Emma Raducanu finds herself in familiar territory: carrying enormous expectations shaped almost entirely by one extraordinary fortnight five years ago. But her former coach Mark Petchey has a refreshingly simple message for the 23-year-old, stop chasing ranking points and start chasing happiness.
Petchey, who guided Raducanu during a productive short-term stint last year before his broadcasting commitments prevented a permanent arrangement, spoke candidly to the Press Association about what he believes has made the British number one's journey so uniquely demanding. "I don't envy her life," he admitted, pointing out that she is judged week after week against a result, her stunning 2021 US Open title, that he described as "an absolute fairy tale."
The pressure, Petchey suggests, is unlike anything most players face. Anything short of another major title is widely perceived as underachievement, and that narrative has shadowed Raducanu through a turbulent five years of coaching changes, injuries, and fluctuating form. Petchey was frank: "If you don't win another one, it's deemed a sub-optimal outcome."
Raducanu has now reunited with Andrew Richardson, the coach who was in her corner during that historic US Open run. Whether renewed familiarity can translate into deep runs at the majors remains to be seen, but Petchey's faith in her talent is undiminished. "She's a hell of a tennis player," he said simply.
With Wimbledon on the horizon and the grass-court season building momentum, Raducanu will be hoping home support provides an extra lift. TennisDraw users have been tracking her draw closely, with plenty backing her to make a deep run on the London grass.