Emma Raducanu is resetting her grass-court season by reuniting with Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to the historic 2021 US Open title. Raducanu finalized the change following a grueling 2026 campaign derailed by a two-and-a-half-month post-viral illness that forced her out of multiple European clay tournaments.
Former coach Mark Petchey publicly endorsed the move, urging the British No. 1 to prioritize her mental well-being over the relentless chase for ranking points. Petchey advised Raducanu to focus on executing basic fundamentals, stating she needs to concentrate on “doing the ordinary in an extraordinary way” rather than attempting to fast-track her way back to championship form.
What We Know
- Raducanu reached the final at Queen’s Club earlier this month, signaling a return to form ahead of Wimbledon.
- She missed tournaments in Miami, Linz, Madrid, and Rome earlier in 2026 due to a severe viral infection.
- The 23-year-old has worked with at least eight different coaches over the past five years.
- Richardson is the first coach to partner with Raducanu for a second distinct stint since her initial professional breakout.
The reunion addresses a lingering question in British tennis regarding her split from Richardson immediately following her New York triumph as an 18-year-old qualifier. Over the past five years, she has not advanced past the fourth round of any Grand Slam while cycling through high-profile instructors including Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Francisco Roig.
Petchey noted that her long-term success relies heavily on personal satisfaction, telling reporters that she must abandon the pressure of the professional circuit’s mathematical ladder.
The timing aligns squarely with the upcoming grass-court major. Her recent run at Queen’s Club injected necessary momentum into her season after the physical setbacks of the spring. Richardson’s presence provides a familiar strategic baseline as she attempts to build consistency on home soil.