'A one-slam wonder'?: Mark Petchey backs 'misunderstood' former student Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu's confident personality has placed her at the centre of criticism, but her "misunderstood" mannerisms could be the key to silencing her doubters, according to former coach Mark Petchey.
The British star has struggled to contest for titles since winning her maiden grand slam at the US Open in 2021 as she continues to manage a horror run with injuries.
A troubling start to 2025 sparked greater concerns around Raducanu's fitness as a back problem forced her to withdraw from the ASB Classic in Auckland.
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Her absence from the courts in Auckland means the 22-year-old will step into the grand slam arena having not played competitively since November at the Billie Jean Cup.
Emma Raducanu plays a forehand during a practice session ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. Getty
Four years on from her title victory, questions have been raised about whether Raducanu has the desire to be listed alongside some of the best players in the sport.
While the criticism is not unfamiliar for the young star, former world No.80 Petchey believes the comments do not correctly depict the player that Raducanu is.
"There's no doubt that she is misunderstood," Petchey told Betway.
"If there was an Olympic event for cutting people down who have been successful, as a nation, we [Great Britain] would win the gold medal for it every four years.
"She's had to deal with so much which must be incredibly hard for a youngster who is on the cover of every magazine and everybody's favourite tennis player after the US Open.
Mark Petchey (L), former coach of Andy Murray looks on at The Championships, Wimbledon 2021. Getty
"Obviously when things don't go from strength to strength, attitudes of some people change.
"She's already getting called a one-slam wonder like she's never going to win one again, and that must be incredibly difficult to deal with.
"People love to take pot shots at her but there's a lot more to her than just being a tennis player.
"There is so much more to her personality, and she has so many other interests which people don't realise. She's not arrogant, but you've got to be confident. You've got to believe in yourself to exist and survive let alone thrive."
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The harsh realities of the sport are frequently highlighted by many on the professional tour, with all players competing for the same titles and prizes.
But competitive drive is what Petchey believes is essential for players to achieve their dreams, especially Raducanu.
"Tennis is a ruthless hostile environment where you have at a grand slam, 127 other players who absolutely want to beat your brains out," he said.
"They want the same dream that you're fighting for, the same trophy and only one person is going to put a pair of hands on that silverware at the end of it.
"So, if you don't back yourself, no one else is going to back you."
