Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis sensation who captivated the world with her 2021 US Open victory, is once again at the center of attention. As she navigates the complexities of her professional career, a recent accusation from former world No. 9 CoCo Vandeweghe has sparked debate about her coaching choices. The young star, now ranked No. 47 in the WTA standings, has embarked on a promising yet informal coaching partnership with Mark Petchey, a former British pro and respected commentator. This move comes after a series of short-lived coaching stints, raising questions about her approach to building a stable support team.
Raducanu’s journey since her Grand Slam triumph has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Injuries and an ever-changing roster of coaches have made consistency elusive. Her latest partnership with Petchey, which began on an ad-hoc basis at the Miami Open in March 2025, has shown early signs of success. In Miami, Raducanu delivered her best performance since her US Open win, reaching the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time. She defeated formidable opponents like eighth seed Emma Navarro and former French Open semifinalist Amanda Anisimova before falling to Jessica Pegula. This run propelled her back into the top 50, a testament to the potential of her collaboration with Petchey.
However, not everyone is convinced that Raducanu’s coaching decisions are sound. CoCo Vandeweghe, a former top-10 player and two-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist, recently criticized the Brit’s tendency to surround herself with what she called “yes men.” Vandeweghe suggested that some of Raducanu’s previous coaches were too cautious, unwilling to challenge her or push her out of her comfort zone. Despite this critique, Vandeweghe expressed optimism about the Petchey partnership, noting the comfort and familiarity between the two. “They’re comfortable together, and that’s something that Emma Raducanu has looked for in a lot of her other coaches,” Vandeweghe said, highlighting the importance of a trusting coach-player dynamic.
Petchey, a former world No. 80 who coached a young Andy Murray to his first ATP title, brings a wealth of experience to Raducanu’s camp. Their connection dates back to 2020, when they worked together briefly before her meteoric rise. Petchey’s relaxed yet focused approach seems to resonate with Raducanu, who has admitted to being overly intense at times. “I think just a relaxed environment, but focused when needs to be,” Raducanu said of Petchey’s influence. “I’m someone who works really hard and can be really intense, but sometimes too intense.” This balance has already yielded tangible results, particularly in her serve, which has seen significant improvement under Petchey’s guidance. Former doubles player Colin Fleming noted on Sky Sports Tennis that Raducanu has returned to her “natural, flowing rhythmic service motion,” a change that has bolstered her performance.
Despite the early success, challenges remain. Raducanu’s recent second-round exit at the Madrid Open against Marta Kostyuk (6-4, 2-6, 6-2) underscored her struggles on clay, a surface where she has yet to find her footing. Yet, she remains upbeat, emphasizing her commitment to improving her clay-court game ahead of the Italian Open in May 2025. “Hopefully,” she replied when asked if Petchey would join her in Rome, signaling her desire to continue their collaboration.
The road ahead is not without obstacles. Petchey’s commitments to the Tennis Channel may complicate a permanent coaching arrangement, and Raducanu’s history of cycling through coaches—eight in four years—has drawn scrutiny. Some, like Andy Roddick, have questioned her frequent changes, suggesting they could deter top coaches from joining her team. Nevertheless, Petchey’s familiarity and proven track record make him a compelling choice. As Raducanu prepares for the clay swing and beyond, her ability to harness Petchey’s expertise while addressing external criticism will be crucial.
Raducanu’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. At just 22, she has already achieved what many players dream of, yet her hunger for growth remains evident. With Petchey by her side, she is poised to navigate the challenges of professional tennis with renewed focus and optimism. Whether this partnership becomes a long-term fixture or another chapter in her evolving career, one thing is clear: Emma Raducanu is determined to write her own narrative, one match at a time.
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