Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has shared some honest advice on Emma Raducanu‘s long-term coaching decision, urging the British star to commit to one coach for at least a year. This advice comes after Mark Petchey, who had recently been helping Raducanu informally, confirmed he will not take on a full-time role due to his TV commitments.
Raducanu showed signs of improvement at Wimbledon 2025, especially in her performance against world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. Although she lost in straight sets, many felt it was her best display in months. Much of the credit went to Petchey, making Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision even more pressing as she heads into the Washington Open.
Navratilova believes consistency is key and said Raducanu needs to trust the process.
“If you like someone and believe they can help your game, commit to it,” Navratilova told Sky Sports. “Train hard, eat right, stay fit. But most importantly — stick with a coach. Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision could shape her next few years.”
The Ongoing Coaching Shuffle Needs to End
Over the past few years, Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision has become one of the most talked-about topics in tennis. After winning the US Open in 2021, she has worked with a series of coaches, each for short periods.
She began with Nigel Sears, followed by a Grand Slam win under Andrew Richardson, who was quickly replaced by Torben Beltz. Then came Dimitri Tursunov, who later voiced concerns that Raducanu was listening to too many people. Next was Sebastian Sachs, who didn’t stay long either.
Last year, Raducanu reunited with childhood mentor Nick Cavaday, who had to step away in early 2024 for health reasons. During the grass-court season, she trained briefly with both Cavaday and Petchey, showing some progress.
But now, with Petchey stepping aside, fans are once again left wondering about Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision. Navratilova warned that bouncing between coaches only delays development.
“Sticking with someone gives time for actual progress,” she said. “Every new voice means a restart. Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision should be about patience and trust.”
A Turning Point Ahead of Washington Open
As Raducanu prepares for her next tournament, the Washington Open, the question around Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision becomes even more important. Without a stable coaching figure in her corner, every match becomes more difficult to manage — both mentally and tactically.
Navratilova believes this is the time for Raducanu to take full control of her career. She’s now 21 and has had enough experience to know what works and what doesn’t.
“She needs to lead the way in her career now. Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision shouldn’t be left to others,” Navratilova emphasized.
Even Anne Keothavong, Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain, agreed. She has worked with Raducanu on and off the court and knows what a solid team can do for a young player’s confidence.
“Petch clearly made a difference, even if it was informal,” Keothavong said. “Hopefully Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision becomes clearer now. She needs to know what she wants from her support team.”
During the recent season, Raducanu has shown signs of becoming more relaxed and confident. From laughing off rumours about her personal life to joining in on fun warm-up sessions with Petchey, she looks more at ease on and off the court.
Still, many believe that a lack of coaching stability has slowed her progress. If she hopes to compete regularly against top players like Sabalenka or Swiatek, Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision will need to be made soon and wisely.
Fans are hoping that the upcoming tournaments will bring not only wins but also clarity regarding Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision. A consistent and experienced coach could be the missing link in helping her return to Grand Slam-winning form.
With her raw talent, a strong work ethic, and the right guidance, Raducanu still has everything it takes to rise again — as long as Emma Raducanu’s long-term coaching decision finally brings some stability to her journey.
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