Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash has doubted whether Emma Raducanu can find a permanent coach and rise up the rankings. The 2021 US Open winner sits 28th in the WTA rankings as her lack of a consistent head coach has continually made headlines.
The 22-year-old split from Spanish coach Francisco Roig in January and has since travelled with hitting partner Alexis Canter and physiotherapist Emma Stewart, while reigniting her partnership with Mark Petchey in Indian Wells – where she was knocked out in the round of 32 by Amanda Anisimova in straight sets.
The Australian tennis icon said: “I don’t see why not, the game has changed. She had a great run at the US Open [and played] unbelieveable tennis. If you look at the players that are now coming through, they’re big hard-hitting players. Emma isn’t the biggest, strongest girl but she hits the ball really cleanly.
“You’d have to have a game plan. It’s attrition in the modern game, it’s being consistent day in day out, she hasn’t been able to be consistent. She’s been injured a lot but I do think she can come back. I have some doubts of course but she’s got to stay fit, find the right solution.” Discussing her part-time partnership with Petchey, Cash added: “I think he’s a knowledgable guy so that might work but she can play, there’s no doubts about it. But consistency is crucial for her to find somebody and stick with a plan.”
“Give it a year because it takes a while to be comfortable with making changes and being able to incorporate the person into your game. The biggest thing I see, I think she could get fitter, which the coach has nothing to do with, but you know, the coach can only do so much. Pick the right coach and stick with him or her, please!”
