Emma Raducanu’s decision to step away from a traditional full-time coaching setup has sparked conversation across the tennis world at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Two of the sport’s biggest stars, Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev, were asked about the British player’s unusual approach during their respective post-match press conferences.
While Sabalenka responded with humor before offering thoughtful support for Raducanu’s situation, Zverev highlighted the difference between her path and his long-standing coaching stability.
Alexander Zverev Highlights Contrast Between His Coaching Stability and Emma Raducanu’s Approach
Raducanu’s comments came after she explained that years of guidance following her stunning 2021 US Open victory had gradually pulled her away from her instinctive playing style. Now ranked World No. 24, the 2021 Grand Slam champion has decided to try a more flexible arrangement instead of committing to a single permanent coach. The shift followed her January split with coach Francisco Roig after the Australian Open.
Although the two remain on good terms, Raducanu acknowledged that their tactical views did not align. She has since opted for a consultant-style system, seeking advice from various figures rather than relying on a single full-time mentor. At Indian Wells, she reunited with Mark Petchey, who is assisting her on an ad-hoc basis while continuing his broadcasting duties.
Sabalenka and Zverev were both asked how they viewed Raducanu’s potential decision to compete without a full-time coach. Zverev was first asked whether the idea sounded unusual to him. The German noted that Raducanu’s situation is unique compared with his own experience.
“I think Emma is a very special case. I love her, I really do, but I think Emma and coaching are quite a big difference between me and coaching,” he said in a post-match press conference following his second-round victory.
Zverev explained that consistency has defined his own team throughout his career. “I have been with the same coach for 28 years, so yeah, it’s a bit of a different question, different subject with her specifically.” He also pointed out that Raducanu still has support around her in Indian Wells. “I mean, she has a coach here, right, with Mark Petchey. It’s up to her. I mean, I don’t know. I have the same people around that I like to work with, so that’s just me.”
Zverev’s comments reflect his long-standing relationship with his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., who has coached him since childhood. His support system also includes his mother, Irina Zvereva, and his brother, Mischa Zverev, as well as past collaborations with notable coaches such as Juan Carlos Ferrero, Ivan Lendl, and David Ferrer.
What Did Aryna Sabalenka Say About Raducanu Competing Without a Full-Time Coach?
Sabalenka, speaking after her own second-round win at Indian Wells, responded to a similar question with a mix of humor and practical insight. “Yeah, I’m ready to fire all of them right now,” she joked as the press room laughed.
The Belarusian star then explained why she believes Raducanu’s approach might make sense given the circumstances. “For me, it would be difficult. But I feel like she been struggling a lot with finding the right coach, the right fit for her,” Sabalenka said.
“I think maybe for her it’s good to take this little break, not rushing, like, bringing just anyone in her team. That just makes more problem, I feel like, and insecureness, you don’t have your person around. I feel like maybe for her it’s a good decision, but I feel like she’s going to obviously end up having coach. I think she just need to choose carefully the person that she’s gonna bring on her team.”
So far, the ‘instinct-first’ approach seems to be working for Raducanu. She opened her Indian Wells campaign with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory over Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova. The Brit will now take on either Anna Blinkova or sixth seed Amanda Anisimova in the third round.
However, she faced disappointment in the doubles event as she and her partner Elena-Gabriela Ruse lost 2-6, 5-7 to the third seeds Kateřina Siniaková and Taylor Townsend in the first round.
