Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation, is currently navigating a transitional phase in her coaching setup at the Italian Open. Despite the challenges, she believes the arrangement is functioning well. Mark Petchey, a seasoned commentator and coach, is providing her with valuable insights, albeit not on an exclusive basis. Alongside him, Jane O'Donoghue, a former national women's coach with the Lawn Tennis Association, is assisting Raducanu during this tournament. However, O'Donoghue's presence is temporary, as she is on a sabbatical from her finance job.

Raducanu expressed her satisfaction with the current setup in a recent interview with BBC Sport in Rome. "It's been working pretty well," she said. "Mark is juggling his commentary duties while helping me as much as he can. Jane steps in when Mark is unavailable, which is incredibly helpful."

The 22-year-old is aware that this arrangement is not a long-term solution. "Jane will return to her job, and I'll need to figure out another solution," Raducanu added. The goal is to find a consistent support figure for Petchey, who has significant broadcast commitments throughout the year.

Raducanu's focus is not just on her coaching team but also on her performance on the court. After a disappointing second-round exit at the Madrid Open, she is determined to improve her game on clay. "I feel slightly better than I did in Madrid," she noted. "I want to use this clay season to work on certain aspects of my game that will help me bridge the gap to the next level."

Her strategy involves being more aggressive and structuring points on her terms, even if it means making more errors. "I know I may make more mistakes, but I'm willing to go through that," she said.

Raducanu also addressed her concerns about the risk of ingesting contaminated substances, a growing worry among athletes. She mentioned the case of Jannik Sinner, who recently returned from a doping ban due to contamination. "I don't want to take anything, even if doctors recommend it, just out of risk of contamination," Raducanu said. "It's something I do worry about—it's nerve-wracking every time."

As Raducanu prepares for her next match in Rome, she remains focused on her development and the ongoing evolution of her coaching setup. Her journey at the Italian Open is a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed in the competitive world of professional tennis.