Emma Raducanu’s Serve Improvement: A Game-Changer for the Young Star

Emma Raducanu’s rise in the tennis world has been a whirlwind, marked by highs and lows, but recent performances suggest she is heading in the right direction. One key area where significant progress has been made is her serve, an aspect of her game that has been under scrutiny for much of 2025. With the addition of Mark Petchey to her coaching team, Raducanu has shown noticeable improvement, particularly with her serve, and this change could make a major impact as she prepares for the upcoming grass court season.

Struggles and Adjustments in 2025

At the start of 2025, Emma Raducanu’s serve was a persistent weak point. Double faults plagued her performances, and several early exits from tournaments led to questions about the stability of her game. For a player of her caliber, a reliable serve is essential to compete at the highest level, and her struggle with consistency on serve seemed to affect her confidence and overall performance.

However, this narrative began to shift when former British Davis Cup player Mark Petchey joined Raducanu’s coaching team during the Miami Open in March 2025. His presence was immediately felt, as Raducanu showed improvements, particularly with her serve, propelling her to the quarter-finals of the WTA event. Petchey’s vast experience, both as a player and coach, gave Raducanu the tools to refine her technique and find a more natural rhythm.

Petchey’s Impact: Returning to a More Natural Motion

Colin Fleming, a former top 20 doubles player and tennis analyst, observed the immediate impact Petchey had on Raducanu’s serve. Fleming noted that Petchey had helped Raducanu return to a more natural service motion that she had previously used with success.

“She’s gone back to her more natural service motion since working with Mark Petchey recently. She has done a bit of work with Nick Cavaday on adjusting the motion,” Fleming explained on Sky Sports Tennis. “She’s always had a natural, flowing rhythmic service motion, and it became a bit more abbreviated with the work under Cavaday. I understand why! Trying to get the serve bigger, more impactful during matches. It’s back to that longer, flowing rhythm.”

This return to a more fluid, rhythmic serve is a clear indicator of Raducanu’s potential. It allows her to generate more power and spin, crucial for both serving out wide and maintaining consistency. While a shortened, more compact service motion might offer more control, Raducanu’s natural style, with its grace and flow, provides her with a distinct advantage in matches.

Madrid Open and Encouraging Signs on Clay

While Raducanu was eliminated in the second round of the 2025 Miami Open by Marta Kostyuk, her performance was notable for her improved serving. Additionally, her ability to adjust her game on the clay courts of the Madrid Open was another encouraging sign.

Emma Raducanu’s adaptability on different surfaces has always been one of her strengths. However, the Madrid Open presented a unique challenge for her, as she has had limited experience on clay courts in recent years. Despite losing in the early rounds, Raducanu’s form, especially on serve, caught the attention of commentators and analysts.

Fleming observed that Raducanu’s growth on clay was evident: “She’ll be disappointed at this stage, but I think when the dust settles there’s a lot to take from this match. This was a good level at times on a surface where she hasn’t played a lot of tennis recently.”

Raducanu herself acknowledged the learning curve she faced in Madrid. “I think it’s positive to get through and play two matches on the outdoor clay courts. I would say that it is pretty noticeable to me that I don’t necessarily feel very comfortable, but I think that’s something that I can improve on and work on,” she said.

Finding Her Comfort on Clay

Raducanu’s struggle with movement on the clay courts is a common hurdle for players transitioning from hard courts or grass. The slower surface and its unique challenges—such as dealing with the sliding motion—can be difficult for players, especially when returning after a long absence. Emma admitted that she was struggling with her movement on clay, particularly when it came to getting out of the corners and recovering from her serves.

“I found moving really difficult. I felt like I was slipping around, but it was taking me a long time to get out of the corners and after the serve as well,” Raducanu shared after her exit from Madrid. “I’m not really sure how to improve that, so I guess I’ll just take that back and try to work on it in the next week.”

Despite these challenges, Raducanu’s commitment to improving is evident. The young star knows that time and practice on the clay courts will pay off. As she prepares for the upcoming clay-court season, including the prestigious French Open, Raducanu is determined to improve her comfort and movement on the surface.

The Road Ahead: Grass Courts and Optimism

Looking ahead, Raducanu remains focused on her long-term goals. While the clay season may have its challenges, it serves as a stepping stone for her ultimate goal: performing well on the grass courts of Britain, where she feels most comfortable. Fleming has expressed optimism about Raducanu’s future performances, particularly on grass: “It should serve her well when she gets onto her favoured grass courts in Britain in June.”

Indeed, Raducanu’s journey is far from over. Her recent improvements, particularly with her serve, suggest that her game is heading in the right direction. The work with Petchey has already paid off, and as Raducanu continues to refine her skills, it’s clear that her future in tennis is bright.

Emma Raducanu may still be adjusting to different surfaces, but the trajectory of her career is clear: with a more powerful serve, improved movement, and the right guidance, she is poised for success. Whether on clay, hard courts, or grass, Emma Raducanu’s future in tennis looks promising, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting her next steps.

Conclusion

Emma Raducanu’s 2025 season has been filled with highs and lows, but recent improvements, especially with her serve, indicate a bright future ahead. Her work with Mark Petchey has helped her rediscover her natural service motion, and her adaptability on different surfaces proves that she is ready to take on the challenges of professional tennis. As she prepares for the French Open and the grass court season, Raducanu’s performance will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most exciting stories in tennis.