Emma Raducanu has undoubtedly improved since hiring Mark Petchey as her new coach.
Eyebrows were raised at first when their union was announced, as it also stated that the 54-year-old would share his time between the world number 43 and his punditry.
However, few can argue with the subsequent results that this partnership has brought thus far, offering the Brit a fine foundation for the upcoming French Open.
Laura Robson has since given her insight into Petchey as a person, revealing exactly what traits Emma Raducanu will be benefitting from.
Emma Raducanu’s coach Mark Petchey rated
Speaking to Sky Sports, the pundit sought to offer her verdict on British hopes in Paris for the coming weeks.
So, naturally Raducanu’s chances at the event had to crop up.
Having enjoyed a solid run of form after a block of consistent tournaments, this is arguably the best preparation she has had for a Grand Slam in some time.
Some of that refocus can be attributed to the new coach, who was the object of Robson’s focus: ‘Petchey’s got his own responsibilities with the Tennis Channel and other broadcasting that he’s committed to.
‘I really like Petch. I’ve worked with him when we’re commentating the world feed in Australia. When I first started, it was great to be in the booth with someone like him because he’s so analytical and super engaged on technique and the minor things that can change during a match.
‘That’s something that I know she enjoys as well, so they’ve got so much in common and what they love about the game is really similar.’
Emma Raducanu’s French Open draw has conjured up understandable cause for concern though, which might put a dampener on a fine start to life under Petchey.
Emma Raducanu has improved since hiring Mark Petchey
It’s impressive that, despite balancing coaching with media duties, Petchey has still managed to make a notable improvement to Raducanu’s game.
However, given that the foundations were clearly already there, with her talent having been exhibited in brief but impressive flashes across the last few years, few should be surprised.
The only frustration has been the manner in which the youngster has bounced from coach to coach, but a lot of the time things were out of her control and the decision had to be made.
People love to find a narrative and stick with it, continuing to attack an area of weakness should they deem it as such.
But in Petchey, it seems like Raducanu has finally found some stability which is helping her clearly become a better tennis player.
Reaching the quarter-finals of Miami in their first tournament together, the 2021 US Open champion has risen 17 spots up the world rankings since then.
And, with no points to defend at Roland Garros, the hope is that she can cause an upset or two to propel herself to even greater heights and continue to reinforce a decision that did command derision when first announced.
