Emma Raducanu Takes a Cheeky Jab at Tennis Commentators After Rome Open Victory

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated May 9, 2025 5:26 PM ET

Emma Raducanu defeated Jil Teichmann in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) at the Rome Open. Later, during an interview with Prakash Amritraj for Tennis Channel, she delivered a playful jab at the state of tennis commentary, while praising former player and commentator Mark Petchey, who is also part of her coaching team.

Mark Petchy’s role in Emma Raducanu’s tennis career has been questioned in recent times by fans and critics alike. Fellow British star Daniel Evans in a recent interview pointed out that Raducanu needed a coach who is present round the clock with her, where as Petchy had commentary commitments. Prakash Amritraj, who is known for his quick wit and humor, playfully questioned her on Petchy’s influence.

“I know he's on your team. He's been very influential. You can tell us, has he been useful at all? Has he contributed?” asked Prakash in a sarcastic tone, and Raducanu answered smartly taking a sly jab at the tennis commentators.

“I'm not biased, but I love, I love hearing him commentate,” said Raducanu with a smile. “I think he's a great commentator, someone that I actually want to listen to, because sometimes I watch tennis and I have to mute it, with him I love hearing what he has to say, he's very interesting” she added with a laugh.

Taking a serious tone, Raducanu said that she is quite happy with her current partnership with Petchy and his contribution.

“He's obviously helped me a lot with everything, with the tennis, with the off court, with everything. So yeah, we did some really good work as well in LA, you know, while he was with TC. And yeah, I'm really happy with how it's kind of going,” said Raducanu.

Raducanu will face Veronika Kudermetova in her next match in Rome in the round of 32.