Emma Raducanu, the talented British tennis player, recently acknowledged the need to find a new coaching solution ahead of the upcoming French Open. With the tournament set to kick off later this month, Raducanu’s current coaching arrangement is under scrutiny. She entered into a part-time partnership with Mark Petchey in March, but this collaboration has been challenged by Petchey’s commitments to commentary work. As a result, he will not be available during the Italian Open, which poses a significant hurdle for Raducanu as she aims to regain form.
To address this immediate coaching gap, Jane O’Donoghue, the former national women’s coach for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), has stepped in to assist Raducanu temporarily while she competes in Rome. In an interview with BBC Sport, Raducanu expressed her appreciation for O’Donoghue’s involvement, stating, “It’s been working pretty well.” She elaborated on the arrangement, explaining that while Petchey is occupied with commentary duties, he intends to provide support whenever feasible, creating a challenging yet flexible coaching structure for her matches.
Despite this temporary support, Raducanu recognizes the need for a more permanent solution. She conveyed her thoughts on the future of her coaching relationship, saying, “While she’s not working, it’s nice to have her as much as possible, but she will go back to work and then I need to figure another solution out.” As she looks ahead, the 22-year-old is aware that finding a full-time coach is crucial for her progression, indicating that she still needs to determine who that person might be.
Raducanu’s aspirations for a successful outing at the Italian Open are fueled partially by her previous experience at the Madrid Open, where she was eliminated in the second round by Marta Kostyuk. Reflecting on her performance, she mentioned, “I feel slightly better than I did in Madrid.” In light of this past tournament, she is eager to utilize the clay season to refine her skills and address areas within her game that require improvement. Specifically, Raducanu is aiming to become more aggressive and dynamic in her approach. She articulated her desire to “take more balls on” and “structure the points more on my terms,” fully acknowledging that this strategy may lead to increased errors, yet she remains committed to pushing through these challenges.
In addition to her ambitions on the court, the upcoming French Open is marked on the calendar, scheduled to commence its qualifying rounds for both men’s and women’s singles on Monday, May 19, 2025. The main draw is set to begin on Sunday, May 25, with singles matches spanning three days from May 25 to May 27. The tournament culminates with the women’s singles final on June 7 and the men’s final on June 8, creating a thrilling two-week period for tennis fans.
For those looking to follow the action, the 2025 French Open will be available for live viewing in the UK through TNT Sports and discovery+. Fans can expect comprehensive coverage from Roland-Garros, along with expert analyses both on-site and from the studio, ensuring that viewers catch every significant moment of the tournament. Insightful commentary and breakdowns will accompany the live matches compellingly, catering to both avid tennis enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
In summary, Raducanu’s journey continues as she navigates the complexities of her coaching situation while striving to enhance her performance on clay courts. With the French Open on the horizon, securing effective coaching will be vital for her aspirations as she competes against some of the best in the sport.
