Tim Henman believes Emma Raducanu may benefit from not having a coach, despite her recent informal collaboration with Mark Petchey leading up to Indian Wells, broadcasted live on Sky Sports Tennis.
Raducanu recently parted ways with Francisco Roig following her second-round exit at the Australian Open.
After performing well under Petchey, Andy Murray’s former coach, during a temporary phase in early 2025, Raducanu opted for Roig in August to secure a permanent coaching arrangement.
Following a disappointing six-month period, Roig became Raducanu’s ninth coach to leave since her US Open victory in 2021. While they got along personally, their playing styles did not mesh effectively.
After her next tournament in Romania, Raducanu reached her first final since her 2021 US Open win. Since separating from Roig, she has expressed satisfaction in solely training with her hitting partner, Alexis Canter, a 27-year-old British former player.
Coming off a first-round loss to Antonia Ruzic at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Raducanu intends to keep Canter as part of her team while also working with Petchey ahead of Indian Wells next week.
Henman suggests Raducanu should focus on enhancing her physicality to compete with high-caliber players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff. He expressed, “I wonder whether she’s better off without a coach… Emma has talked about her identity and style, and she wishes to own it.” Henman emphasized the significance of physical strength for long-term competitive endurance.
