Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis player, is preparing for a high-stakes showdown with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon, following a strong second-round victory over 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova. After a turbulent few years marked by injuries, coaching changes, and fluctuating form since her 2021 US Open breakthrough, Raducanu appears rejuvenated this season. Experts believe a particular tactic inspired by American ATP player Taylor Fritz could give Raducanu a crucial edge against Sabalenka.
Insight from Lindsay Davenport on Raducanu’s Match Plan
Former American WTA star Lindsay Davenport offered key advice during the Tennis Channel’s pre-match analysis, focusing on how Raducanu can handle Sabalenka’s power. Raducanu trails 0-1 in their head-to-head, having lost their only previous encounter at the Indian Wells tournament last year. Davenport emphasized patience and precision, stating,
to wait for her chances. If she gets some chances on second serves, she’s got to go for it and be able to go hard middle and when she’s got a little bit of time, that’s when she goes to the wing.
—Lindsay Davenport, Former American WTA Star
She further cautioned,
She cannot afford to go off the court too soft because then you are going to open up the angle for Sabalenka.
—Lindsay Davenport, Former American WTA Star
This approach encourages Raducanu to capitalize aggressively on second serves while avoiding leaving open court angles that Sabalenka could exploit.
The Impact of Taylor Fritz’s Defensive Tactics
Davenport also pointed to Taylor Fritz’s effective method against powerful servers as a tactical model that Raducanu might adapt. Fritz impressed during the tournament by countering rapid serves, including a 153 mph serve by Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and advancing past strong servers like Gabriel Diallo.
Davenport highlighted,
I liked how Taylor Fritz approached in this tournament where he’s actually moved forward against some of the bigger servers and blocked them back.
—Lindsay Davenport, Former American WTA Star
She noted the importance of this tactic, adding,
It will be interesting to see if Raducanu does that because she can’t give Sabalenka too many free points.
—Lindsay Davenport, Former American WTA Star
The ability to take the ball early and neutralize Sabalenka’s powerful serve could be essential for Raducanu to maintain control during rallies and reduce unforced errors.
Coach Mark Petchey’s Role in Raducanu’s Revival
Emma Raducanu’s recent resurgence also correlates strongly with renewed guidance from coach Mark Petchey, a former British professional. Petchey, who was part of Raducanu’s team during her 2021 US Open victory, rejoined her camp in March this year, bringing much-needed stability after years of frequent coaching changes. This reunion has raised Raducanu’s performance and confidence, helping her reach the quarterfinals in Miami and display promising potential on the tour.
Davenport praised the coaching continuity, stating,
The last four years, a lot of turnover. So earlier this year (she) decided to get little bit more comfort in who was giving her advice. Mark Petchey one of them, a longtime coach as well. It seems to have brought out the best in Raducanu.
—Lindsay Davenport, Former American WTA Star
This steadying influence seems to have contributed significantly to Raducanu’s mental and strategic reforms on court.
Emma Raducanu Reflects on Her Partnership with Mark Petchey
Despite rumors about a formal long-term coaching contract, Raducanu clarified the current status of her relationship with Petchey as informal but positive, revealing a cautious but hopeful outlook.
She stated,
It’s pretty informal for now, but is something that’s going really well.
—Emma Raducanu, Tennis Player
In a May interview with Sky Sports, Raducanu expressed renewed optimism about her prospects, noting,
more optimistic, I feel pretty positive about things going forward. I’m just taking it day by day and trying to stay consistent.
—Emma Raducanu, Tennis Player
Though she did not explicitly name Petchey in the interview, her comments clearly reflect the benefits from the renewed coaching partnership.
Raducanu also described the fresh mindset she has cultivated under this support system, saying,
It is exciting, it does feel like a bit of a fresh start with the way I am approaching everything, with the people I have around, with my mindset and outlook.
—Emma Raducanu, Tennis Player
She mentioned a shift away from a heavily technical focus to a more balanced approach under Petchey, adding,
He’s not a super technical coach, there are certain tweaks, as always, but that is something I am going away from,
—Emma Raducanu, Tennis Player
This transition toward a broader strategic outlook may enable her to adapt more fluidly against top-level rivals like Sabalenka.
Upcoming Test at Wimbledon and What It Means for Raducanu’s Career
On Friday, Emma Raducanu faces a pivotal challenge when she squares off against Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of Wimbledon. Raducanu’s previous best at this Grand Slam has been reaching the fourth round, achieved in 2022 and 2024. A win over the Belarusian star, a three-time Grand Slam champion known for her aggressive playing style, could extend Raducanu’s best run at the All England Club and mark a significant step in her comeback journey.
Raducanu’s potential deployment of the Taylor Fritz-inspired tactic to counter Sabalenka’s power will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Success here could demonstrate that the tactical, mental, and coaching improvements she has made recently are translating into results on the big stage.
As the Wimbledon tournament progresses, Raducanu’s performance will signal whether this blend of strategic patience, aggressive return play, and coaching consistency can elevate her back to the top tier of women’s tennis.