Emma Raducanu has hit back at criticism over her constant coaching changes and vowed to keep following the royal family’s example. Ahead of the US Open, the 22-year-old has appointed Rafael Nadal’s former coach, Francis Roig, to work alongside Mark Petchey.
The Spaniard becomes the latest mentor to work with the British No.1 ever since she parted ways with Andrew Richardson after her remarkable 2021 win at Flushing Meadows. Earlier this year, she split with Nick Cavaday after he opted to step away due to health issues, before teaming up with Vlado Platenik. However, that arrangement lasted just one match before Petchey stepped in to help on a part-time basis.
Fans and pundits have sceptically criticised the regular changes, which they perceive to have unsettled her rhythm and training routines. However, Raducanu has now responded by arguing that a lot of her coaches have not been full-time appointments.
“I would say, when you see things and you’re like: ‘Oh, Emma on her ninth coach’ or something, I’m like: ‘Guys, come on’,” she said. “Certain ones don’t count.
“If you’ve had a trial, you don’t have to carry on after the trial. A few have been trials, a few have been other situations. And I just try and take the high road. And try to do what the royal family would do.”
The star laughed through the last sentence, seemingly implying she would continue their example of not speaking publicly on individuals or controversial situations. However, the king himself has previously goaded her over her coaching issues.
Upon being handed an MBE by King Charles III in 2022, shortly after winning the US Open, he asked if she ‘had found a coach yet?’ during a royal ceremony. Raducanu saw the funny side of the jibe, with the pair joking together afterwards.
After her breakthrough win in New York, Raducanu received a message from then-Monarch Queen Elizabeth II offering her congratulations. The queen praised Raducanu’s ‘remarkable achievement’, but the player later admitted she framed the letter.
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