Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and British No. 2, is on the cusp of a significant career move as she engages in discussions with seasoned coach Mark Petchey to join her team in a full-time capacity. This development follows a period of transition for the 22-year-old tennis star, who has been navigating the professional circuit without a permanent coach since parting ways with Nick Cavaday in January 2025. The potential partnership with Petchey, a former player and respected coach, could mark a turning point for Raducanu as she aims to recapture her best form and climb the WTA rankings.
Raducanu’s search for stability in her coaching setup has been well-documented. Since her meteoric rise to Grand Slam glory at the age of 18, she has worked with a series of coaches, with Petchey poised to become her eighth in just four years. The young Briton has faced challenges in finding the right fit, but her recent collaboration with Petchey during the 2025 Miami Open sparked renewed optimism. There, Raducanu delivered her strongest performance of the year, reaching the quarter-finals of a WTA 1,000 event for the first time in her career. Reflecting on that experience, she noted, “I had really good people around me who I trust,” highlighting the positive dynamic fostered by Petchey and her support team.
Petchey, a former world No. 80 who reached the third round at Wimbledon in 1997, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His coaching resume includes a formative stint with a teenage Andy Murray, during which he guided the future world No. 1 to his first ATP Tour title in 2006. Petchey’s prior work with Raducanu during the pandemic summer of 2020 at the National Tennis Centre in London laid the foundation for their current rapport. Their time together was marked by mutual respect, with Raducanu appreciating Petchey’s ability to create a relaxed yet focused environment. “I think just a relaxed environment, but focused when needs to be,” she said of his influence during the Miami Open, where she showcased improved serving and tactical variety.
The potential appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Raducanu, who is preparing for the clay-court season, including the Italian Open and Roland Garros. Her recent performances suggest a return to form, with notable victories over top-10 player Emma Navarro and rising star Amanda Anisimova in Miami. These wins propelled her back into the world’s top 50 for the first time since September 2022, signaling her readiness to compete at the highest level. However, consistency has been a challenge, compounded by health concerns and the absence of a long-term coaching strategy. A permanent partnership with Petchey could provide the structure she needs to build on this momentum.
One hurdle in finalizing the arrangement is Petchey’s existing commitments as a broadcaster for the Tennis Channel, alongside roles with Prime, ITV, BBC, and others. His television work limits his availability, but reports indicate that the Tennis Channel is open to accommodating a part-time coaching role, particularly during the grass-court season, including Wimbledon, where Raducanu has historically excelled. This flexibility could allow Petchey to balance both careers, offering Raducanu the expertise of a coach who understands her game and personality without requiring him to step away from broadcasting entirely.
Raducanu’s team also includes fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, and she has expressed a desire to create a tight-knit “bubble” to support her development. The chemistry displayed in Miami, where Petchey was joined by former LTA coach Jane O’Donoghue, underscored the value of familiar faces. Their lighthearted warm-up routines, including games of spikeball, brought a sense of joy to Raducanu’s preparation, which translated into confident performances on court. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether this positive dynamic can be sustained over the long term.
As discussions with Petchey progress, Raducanu remains focused on her immediate goals. The clay swing presents an opportunity to test her versatility, while the grass season looms as a chance to shine on her favorite surface. With Petchey’s technical insight and motivational presence potentially anchoring her team, Raducanu is poised to take the next step in her career. Tennis enthusiasts are watching closely, hopeful that this coaching partnership will help the British star rediscover the brilliance that captivated the world at Flushing Meadows four years ago.