Tim Henman believes that Emma Raducanu’s next coaching decision is not the key factor in her quest to build on her strong performances at the Miami Open.
The 2021 US Open champion delivered her best tennis since her triumph in New York over three years ago, reaching her first WTA 1000 quarter-final in Miami. Her impressive run included a victory over top-10 opponent Emma Navarro.
Raducanu’s standout performance may have come in her loss to Jessica Pegula, where she challenged the eventual runner-up in a high-quality three-set battle.
If Raducanu can sustain the level of play she displayed in Miami throughout the season, she could be in contention for a top-10 spot in the WTA Rankings by the end of 2025. However, there are still challenges she needs to overcome.
Her Miami Open campaign began with the decision to part ways with coach Vladimir Platenik after just one match together in Indian Wells. She then reunited with former mentors Jane O’Donoghue and Mark Petchey, who have helped create a supportive environment that allows her to perform at her best on court.
There is speculation that Raducanu may collaborate with Petchey again when his schedule allows, as he balances his role as a broadcaster for the Tennis Channel in the UK. However, former British No. 1 Tim Henman believes that her coaching situation is less crucial than her ability to remain injury-free and maintain consistent playing time.
“She approaches things differently. She switches coaches, which may not be the usual path for others, but she is comfortable with that,” Henman told Sky Sports Tennis.
In my view, developing physical resilience is the top priority because her career has unfolded in an unusual way.
“She won a Grand Slam after coming through qualifying, despite not having a strong physical foundation, and her body struggled to cope during competitions.
“The biggest positive this year is that she has been able to compete more consistently, and hopefully, the results will follow.”
He further indicated that Petchey’s involvement in her team moving forward could be challenging due to his limited availability.
“Petch is committed to his role with the Tennis Channel, so it will be interesting to see what Emma’s next step will be,” Henman continued.
“When she talks about enjoying herself and being authentic, it allows her to express her game more freely on the court.
“She played some outstanding tennis in this tournament. She has been working to build momentum in matches, and it’s great to see her competing more consistently this year after Australia.
“While the results haven’t always been there, she has been putting in the effort both on court and in the gym with her physical trainer. I thought her movement, both offensively and defensively, looked excellent.”
The pivotal moment came in Raducanu’s match against Emma Navarro, where she secured a hard-fought 7-6 victory in the third set. Defeating a top-10 player in that manner would have given her a significant confidence boost.
“The four wins she achieved will provide her with plenty of belief moving forward.”
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova also shared her thoughts on Raducanu’s future, emphasizing that staying fit will be key to her success.
“If she remains healthy and continues playing at this level, she’ll be seeded at Roland Garros,” Navratilova told Sky Sports Tennis. “I expect her to climb into the top 30. The biggest concern is her fitness.
“Hopefully, she can resolve her coaching situation, as she’s been in a constant state of change. I believe she needs to commit to a coach and stick with them for a while to see how it works out.”
If she maintains the level of play she showed against Pegula, her potential is limitless.
