Emma Raducanu’s exit from the Australian Open has sparked more conversation than her actual defeat.
Losing in the second round to former world No. 21 Anastasia Potapova, especially after a disrupted pre-season, isn’t cause for panic.
Any fan following her career knows setbacks happen.
The real story, however, lies in what Raducanu said after leaving the court.
Questioning Her Own Game
After the match, the British No. 1 admitted she wants to play differently.
“The misalignment with how I’m playing right now and how I want to be playing is something I want to work on,” she said.
Her frustration seems to stem from trying to balance variety with her natural instincts.
“I just want to hit the ball to the corners and hard,” she explained.
“I feel like I’m doing all this variety, and it’s not doing what I want it to do.
I need to get back to the way I played when I was younger—changing direction, taking the ball early, and going for it.”
These comments, whether intentional or not, came across as a subtle jab at her coach, Francis Roig.
The Coach Behind the Scenes
Roig, a Spaniard with an impressive résumé, joined Raducanu last August.
He’s worked with former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and spent 18 years coaching Rafael Nadal.
Even Feliciano Lopez called him one of the best technical coaches in the world.
Over a short winter training period, Roig focused on lengthening Raducanu’s forehand backswing to generate more spin.
Yet Raducanu’s own reflections suggest that once she hit the quick Melbourne courts, the adjustments didn’t feel natural.
Even though her revamped swing initially gave her control, a missed match point seemed to unravel her confidence.
Struggling for Confidence
“I’m not trying to think about any particular technique when I’m on the court,” Raducanu added.
“You just have to fight with what you have, whether it’s good or bad.”
Her words paint a picture of a player questioning not only her strategy but even basic mechanics.
For supporters, it’s worrying to see such uncertainty from someone with her potential.
Coaching Changes on the Horizon?
Raducanu’s history of hiring and firing coaches adds fuel to the speculation.
If Roig is let go after Melbourne, it would be a disappointment, considering his expertise.
Yet, the bigger issue is Raducanu’s tendency to constantly tinker with her game.
She clearly thinks deeply about tennis, often dissecting her technique and asking questions—a trait Roig reportedly values—but overthinking can be dangerous on the court.
The Need for Clarity
Potapova, by contrast, played with freedom and simplicity.
Watching her opponent swing so naturally may have reinforced Raducanu’s own frustration.
“I’m going to take a few days, get back home, and try to re-evaluate my game,” she said.
“Just watch it back and see where I can improve. Feeling comfortable with certain shots is my priority before playing again.”
Reality Check
Raducanu’s instinct is to return to the practice court after setbacks, fine-tuning her forehand or serve.
But professional tennis doesn’t wait—players move up the rankings while others pause.
While her pre-season disruption due to a foot issue explains some of the hiccups, repeated coaching changes and constant tweaks raise questions.
Will she ever commit to a consistent approach and fully realize her immense talent?
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