Emma Raducanu hopes to rediscover ‘natural’ style that has been ‘coached out of me
Young British star seeks to rebuild confidence and rediscover instinctive tennis after years of coaching changes and career setbacks.
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed that she is working to rediscover the instinctive style of play that propelled her to global fame, saying that years of structured coaching have partly taken away the natural instincts that once defined her game. The 2021 champion of the US Open believes reconnecting with her original approach could be the key to reviving her form as she prepares for the upcoming Indian Wells Open.
Raducanu’s comments come during a period of reflection in her young career. Since her historic breakthrough at the US Open, where she became the first qualifier in the modern era to win a Grand Slam title, the British No. 1 has experienced an uneven journey marked by injuries, fluctuating results, and frequent coaching changes. Now ranked around the top 25 in the world, she is determined to regain control of her playing identity.
Speaking ahead of Indian Wells, Raducanu explained that her priority is to reconnect with the natural instincts that originally helped her play freely and aggressively on the court. She admitted that years of detailed tactical instruction have sometimes made her overthink situations during matches.
“I want to come back to my natural way of playing,” Raducanu said, adding that it would take time to relearn because “that’s something that has been coached out of me a little bit.”
Her remarks highlight the tension many elite athletes face between structured coaching and individual creativity. While coaching can refine technique and strategy, Raducanu believes too many voices advising her game may have complicated what once came naturally.
The 23-year-old also indicated she may not rush into appointing a single permanent coach. Instead, she plans to draw guidance from multiple trusted figures rather than committing immediately to a long-term coaching partnership. According to Raducanu, having one coach can sometimes create expectations that make it difficult to experiment or change direction if the collaboration does not work.
In recent months, Raducanu ended her partnership with Spanish coach Francisco Roig after an early exit at the Australian Open. For the North American hard-court swing, she has reunited with former mentor Mark Petchey, someone she trusts and has previously worked with successfully.
Petchey’s presence could help provide stability while allowing Raducanu the flexibility she desires. The former coach of Andy Murray has often emphasized building confidence and encouraging players to trust their instincts—an approach that may align with Raducanu’s current goals.
Raducanu acknowledged that the constant cycle of coaches throughout her career has contributed to the challenge of maintaining a clear playing identity. Since her US Open triumph in 2021, she has worked with several coaches, each bringing a different philosophy and tactical approach. While each partnership offered valuable lessons, the constant adjustments may have diluted her natural rhythm on the court.
Beyond coaching decisions, Raducanu has also had to cope with injuries and intense media attention, both of which have added pressure to her development. The expectations placed on her after her Grand Slam victory were immense, and navigating that spotlight while still learning the professional circuit has not been easy.
However, the British star remains optimistic about her future. She believes that reconnecting with her instincts and simplifying her game could help her regain confidence and consistency.
Her approach heading into Indian Wells is therefore less about chasing immediate results and more about rediscovering enjoyment in competition. By focusing on instinct rather than overanalysis, Raducanu hopes to play with the same fearless energy that once stunned the tennis world.
For fans and analysts alike, the upcoming tournaments will provide an opportunity to see whether Raducanu’s renewed philosophy translates into improved performances. If she succeeds in blending natural instinct with the lessons learned from coaching, she could once again become one of the most exciting players on the women’s tour.
After all, the raw talent that carried her to one of the most remarkable victories in tennis history remains intact. The challenge now is simply to let it shine again.
About the Creator
Fiaz Ahmed
I am Fiaz Ahmed. I am a passionate writer. I love covering trending topics and breaking news. With a sharp eye for what’s happening around the world, and crafts timely and engaging stories that keep readers informed and updated.
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Canada, Australia Strengthen Ties as PM Mark Carney Urges ‘Strategic Cousins’ to Push Back Against Dominant Superpowers
In a striking address to Australian Parliament, Mark Carney used his first official visit as prime minister to call for closer alignment between Canada and Australia — describing the two nations as “strategic cousins” capable of shaping global affairs alongside, or in resistance to, dominant superpowers. His speech underscored a broader vision for middle‑power cooperation on defence, trade, technology, and economic sovereignty in an era marked by geopolitical strain and uncertainty. Carney’s message — delivered against the backdrop of increasing tensions in the Middle East, economic competition between major powers, and questions over the resilience of the post‑World War II rules‑based order — called on like‑minded countries to stop “negotiating from a position of weakness” and instead build cohesive partnerships that reflect shared interests and values. A New Strategic Partnership Carney’s visit followed a series of diplomatic and economic engagements across the Indo‑Pacific, including visits to India, Japan, and now Australia, as part of a tour to strengthen alliances amid global volatility. In Canberra, he and Anthony Albanese reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relationship between their countries, signing agreements and outlining plans to deepen cooperation on investment, supply chains, and strategic sectors such as defence and technology. Central to Carney’s pitch was the idea that Canada and Australia — two of the world’s most prosperous and stable democracies — possess the credibility, legitimacy, and shared values needed to influence global outcomes. “Great powers can compel” by virtue of economic or military might, Carney told lawmakers. “But compulsion comes with costs — reputational, financial, and political.” By contrast, he argued, middle powers acting collaboratively can create durable partnerships that align interests without coercion. Shared Strengths and Strategic Priorities Carney described Canada and Australia not just as allies but as partners with complementary strengths. Both countries are major producers of critical minerals — including lithium, uranium, iron ore, and other resources vital for batteries, clean energy systems, and defence technologies — and together they account for a substantial share of global critical material production. Australia’s recent accession to the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance, a Canada‑led initiative, underscores this strategic alignment and aims to reduce dependency on dominating suppliers for essential resources. Beyond minerals, Carney emphasised cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI), suggesting that pooling resources and technical expertise could strengthen each nation’s sovereign capabilities while offering alternatives to reliance on major powers like the United States or China. Proposed initiatives include joint investments in advanced surveillance systems, satellite communications, and defence equipment standardisation. Rethinking Global Engagement Carney’s remarks did not simply advocate closer Canada–Australia ties; they formed part of a broader critique of the current global order. Speaking to parliament, he echoed earlier warnings that the traditional architecture that guided international relations for decades is “breaking down” in the face of consecutive crises — from geopolitical conflicts to economic disruptions — and that middle powers must step forward to shape the next era of international cooperation. Carney’s theme of “strategic cousins” went beyond a rhetorical flourish. It captured a philosophy that nations with shared democratic traditions and institutional strengths can, and should, leverage their collective influence to advance stability, prosperity, and resilience. This approach reflects a growing consensus among policymakers in Ottawa and Canberra that a multipolar world — rather than one dominated by a handful of superpowers — requires agile, collaborative leadership from smaller but capable states. Reception and Regional Context Carney’s speech received broad support from Australian leaders, with Albanese and other officials welcoming the call for enhanced cooperation. The move comes amid wider international discussions about supply chain diversification, economic security, and reducing dependencies on singular geopolitical actors. Analysts see the Canada‑Australia partnership as emblematic of a broader effort by middle powers — including Japan, South Korea, and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) — to assert their interests and promote balanced, rules‑based engagement in global affairs. Looking Ahead As Carney’s visit continues and negotiations unfold, the strategic cousins initiative is expected to yield concrete outcomes in trade, defence, technology, and critical materials investment. By forging deeper ties, Canada and Australia hope not only to fortify their respective economic and security positions but also to set an example for other mid‑level nations seeking greater agency in a changing global landscape. Whether this coalition of middle powers can truly reshape global dynamics remains to be seen, but Carney’s vision marks a defining moment in how countries traditionally seen as secondary actors are positioning themselves amidst the competing interests of dominant superpowers.
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