Emma Raducanu reached a career-high rank of 10th in July 2022 Emma Raducanu's coach Mark Petchey has said heavier tennis balls are among things affecting the British number two's attempts to rejoin the world's elite players. Raducanuexited the French Openafter being outclassed by five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek 6-1 6-2 in the second round on Wednesday. The 2021 US Open champion is ranked 41st in the world and has won just one of her nine career matches against top-five players. "From my point of view, it's tough on Emma as I still feel everyone is living in 2021," said Petchey, who has been coaching Raducanu inan "informal" arrangement since March. "The games have changed massively," said Petchey. And exaggerating to make the point about heavier balls, he continued: "The balls are four times heavier than back in 2021 and Emma isn't the biggest hitter out there. "If you can't put the ball through the court on a windy, heavy clay court day against someone like Iga, you're going to get into all sorts of trouble." Petchey, a former British number one, coached an 18-year-old Andy Murray for 10 months helping him break into the top 50 in 2006 and also trained Raducanu during the pandemic summer of 2020. He is combining his coaching commitments with his work as a pundit for TNT Sports in their coverage of Roland Garros. Petchey said: "Since I started helping Emma, I said she needs to start closing the gap between the best players. "She doesn't need me to sit between 20-50 in the world and, if I'm not the best choice, she needs to find the best choice. "My mantra to her has been that you are starting your career now. Everyone is judging you on what happened in 2021 but the reality is, I want to see you building a career here where people judge you in two years." Raducanu has been without a full-time coach since Nick Cavaday stood down for health reasons in January. The 22-year-old has previously worked with a number of coaches including Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov and Sebastian Sachs. A number of tennis players, including Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios, have voiced their concerns over heavier and slower tennis balls in recent years. Balls made by different manufacturers are far from identical and with tournaments free to sign their own contracts, players are forced to adapt to different kinds of balls throughout the season - even for the Grand Slams. Slazenger balls have been used at the Wimbledon since 1902 while Dunlop supply the balls for the Australian Open. The French Open and US Open currently use balls made by Wilson. Dunlop is also the official ball of the ATP Tour in a deal running until 2028. Fluffy balls, which get increasingly heavy and slow, have become popular among the organisers to encourage longer rallies but many players believe they cause more frequent injuries. However, there are strict regulations as to what balls can be used in professional matches. According to the International Tennis Federation's rules, a ball used for the game must weigh between 56g and 59.4g. This has been the required weight range since 2000, when it changed from 56.7-58.5g. Under the same rules, the maximum change in mass allowed during play is 0.4g. The balls must also pass a number of other tests, including for size, deformation - how it changes shape during a match - bounce and durability. The current acceptable range for ball diameter is 6.54cm to 6.86cm for a Type 2 ball. This specification last changed in 1966.
Coach blames heavy tennis balls for Raducanu form
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mark Petchey Attributes Emma Raducanu's Struggles to Heavier Tennis Balls"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Emma Raducanu's coach, Mark Petchey, has highlighted the impact of heavier tennis balls on her performance as she strives to regain her place among the elite players in women's tennis. Raducanu, who reached her career-high ranking of 10th in July 2022, recently suffered a disappointing exit from the French Open, losing to five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek with a score of 6-1, 6-2 in the second round. Currently ranked 41st in the world, Raducanu has struggled against top-tier opponents, managing to win only one out of nine matches against players ranked in the top five. Petchey, who has been coaching Raducanu informally since March, expressed concern that many in the tennis community are still evaluating her based on her remarkable success in 2021, rather than her current trajectory. He emphasized the need for Raducanu to adapt to the evolving nature of the game, which he believes has changed significantly since her US Open victory.
Petchey elaborated on the challenges posed by the heavier balls being used in competition, stating that they can hinder a player's ability to control the game, especially on difficult playing surfaces like clay. He pointed out that Raducanu, not being the most powerful hitter, finds it particularly challenging to navigate matches against top players under these conditions. Furthermore, he stressed that Raducanu should focus on building her career rather than being weighed down by past achievements. Currently without a full-time coach since Nick Cavaday stepped down for health reasons in January, Raducanu has worked with several coaches throughout her career. The debate surrounding heavier tennis balls has gained traction among various players, with many expressing concerns that these balls, which tend to cause longer rallies, may also lead to increased injuries. Despite regulations governing the specifications of tennis balls, including weight and size, the variations among manufacturers can complicate players' experiences as they compete across different tournaments. Overall, Petchey advocates for Raducanu to seek a coaching arrangement that will best support her ambitions and help her close the gap with the sport's elite athletes.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an insight into the current challenges faced by British tennis player Emma Raducanu, particularly focusing on her struggles since winning the US Open in 2021. The comments from her coach, Mark Petchey, highlight specific factors influencing her performance, notably the physical characteristics of the tennis balls used in competitions. This narrative not only reflects on Raducanu's recent matches but also reveals broader themes in sports about adapting to changes.
Impact of Coaching and Expectations
Petchey’s remarks suggest a significant pressure on Raducanu to live up to her previous success. He implies that the expectations set by her US Open victory in 2021 weigh heavily on her current performances, which may not be reflective of her true potential. The mention of her ranking drop from a career-high 10th to 41st serves to underline the difficulties she faces in regaining her elite status. This scenario is commonplace in sports, where a young athlete's initial success can lead to unrealistic expectations and pressure, potentially stifling their development.
Changing Nature of the Game
The argument regarding heavier tennis balls is intriguing as it raises questions about how equipment changes can affect player performance. Petchey exaggerates the weight of the balls to emphasize Raducanu's challenges against stronger opponents like Iga Swiatek. This point suggests that Raducanu may need to adapt her playing style to cope with these new conditions, highlighting the evolving nature of competitive tennis. The notion that the game has changed since 2021 suggests a need for continuous adaptation and resilience in professional sports.
Coaching Dynamics
The article indicates that Raducanu has been without a full-time coach since January 2023, which can significantly impact an athlete's performance and mental state. Petchey’s informal coaching arrangement hints at a transitional phase in Raducanu’s career, suggesting she is still searching for the right guidance to elevate her game. The emphasis on finding the "best choice" for her coaching needs reflects a strategic approach to her career development, indicating an understanding that success requires a tailored support system.
Public Perception and Future Outlook
The narrative constructed around Raducanu may influence public perception, fostering a sense of sympathy for her current plight while also recognizing the high expectations placed on her. The focus on her need to build a career rather than be judged solely on past successes could reshape how fans and analysts view her future performances. This perspective encourages a more supportive approach, acknowledging the long-term journey of an athlete rather than a singular moment of triumph.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears to be a balanced account of Raducanu’s situation, with quotes from her coach providing insight into the challenges she faces. However, the framing of these comments might lead to a perception of manipulation, as it emphasizes external factors over personal responsibility or commitment. The reliance on Petchey’s views could skew the narrative towards a defense of Raducanu rather than a critical evaluation of her skills and abilities.
The analysis of this news piece reveals a nuanced discussion about performance, coaching, and public expectation in sports. The article seeks to evoke understanding and patience from the audience regarding Raducanu's career trajectory, which may not align with her initial successes.