London – British tennis legend Tim Henman has offered a frank assessment of Emma Raducanu’s development, suggesting that improving her physicality is more crucial than finding a new permanent coach if she is to break into the upper echelons of the women’s game.
Raducanu, now 23, is competing at this week’s WTA event in Indian Wells, where a strong performance could see her rise from her current ranking of world No.24. The British number one has had a turbulent start to the season, reaching her first senior final since her fairytale 2021 US Open victory in Romania, but also struggling with illness and injury.
‘Close the Gap’
Henman, a former world number four who will be commentating at Indian Wells for Sky Sports, pinpointed the physical gulf between Raducanu and the sport’s dominant forces.
“She has to become physically more resilient to be stronger and faster to then compete with the biggest hitters and the best players,” Henman said.
“You look at the physicality of a (Aryna) Sabalenka, a (Iga) Swiatek, a Coco Gauff, a (Elena) Rybakina, Emma’s not at that level. And to a certain extent, with her physique, she might not ever be at that level, but she’s got to close the gap.”
The Coaching Carousel
Raducanu has become notorious for her frequent coaching changes since her stunning 2021 US Open triumph, where she became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title.
Last month, she parted ways with Francisco Roig after just six months, following a second-round Australian Open defeat by Anastasia Potapova in which Raducanu expressed unhappiness with her game under the Spaniard. She stated she was in no hurry to find a replacement.
“I worked with three coaches in 15 years. I liked consistency and continuity, but that’s not what Emma does,” Henman observed.
“I wonder whether in some respects she’s better off without a coach and accepts the responsibility and just plays. I don’t know what she’ll do next and she probably doesn’t either.”
Current Support Team
For Indian Wells, Raducanu is being aided by British former player Mark Petchey, who served as a temporary coach for several months last season between his broadcasting commitments. Hitting partner Alexis Canter provides daily support.
The 23-year-old’s see-saw season has seen her reach her first senior final since the US Open in Romania, followed by struggles with illness—a recurring theme throughout her professional career.
A deep run in the California desert would not only boost her ranking but also provide valuable confidence ahead of the clay and grass court seasons.
