Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has long been under the microscope, not just for her electrifying tennis but for her revolving door of coaches. With a reputation for rapid coaching changes—eight in four years—the 22-year-old British star has faced scrutiny and speculation about her latest setup. Ahead of the Madrid Open, Raducanu addressed swirling rumors about her coaching situation, confirming an ongoing, albeit informal, partnership with Mark Petchey, a familiar face from her past. Her candid remarks offer insight into her quest for stability and the relaxed approach fueling her recent resurgence.
Raducanu’s coaching journey has been a rollercoaster since her fairy-tale US Open triumph. From parting ways with Andrew Richardson, who guided her to that historic title, to brief stints with high-profile names like Torben Beltz and Dmitry Tursunov, she’s been searching for the right fit. Her latest trial with Slovakian coach Vladimir Platenik ended abruptly after just two weeks, prompting questions about her next move. At the Miami Open, Raducanu turned to Petchey and long-time mentor Jane O’Donoghue, a duo whose presence coincided with her best performance of 2025—a quarterfinal run that included wins over top-10 player Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova. The success sparked rumors of a permanent reunion with Petchey, and Raducanu has now clarified where things stand.
“We haven’t made anything formal. It’s pretty informal for now but is something that’s going really well,” Raducanu told reporters, emphasizing the comfort she feels with Petchey. “He’s someone I feel I can trust because I’ve known him so long. For now, it’s working really well, and it’s nice to be with someone that I feel comfortable with.” Petchey, a former top-100 player and coach to a young Andy Murray, first worked with Raducanu during the 2020 pandemic at London’s National Tennis Centre. Their rapport, built on mutual respect, has proven effective, with Raducanu crediting the relaxed yet focused environment for her Miami success. “I’m still figuring things out: what works for me, what doesn’t. For now, I’m not getting as technical as I used to, maybe,” she added, hinting at a shift toward a less rigid approach.
The decision to keep things informal comes after a turbulent start to 2025. Raducanu parted ways with Nick Cavaday, her childhood coach, in January due to his health concerns. “Nick is a great person. He’s someone I’ve known since I was a young girl, and he coached me before, so I think we were working really well together,” she said, expressing support for his recovery. A brief trial with Platenik followed, but Raducanu ended it before Miami, citing stress and a mismatch in direction. Platenik, however, praised her rapid improvement, saying, “I never had a player who improved as fast as Emma.” Despite the split, Raducanu acknowledged the value of their short collaboration, noting, “I think the work that we did before the tournament, I mean, it wasn’t long. It was only maybe two weeks, ten days, but we did some really good work.”
Raducanu’s Miami run showcased her potential when surrounded by trusted figures. With Petchey and O’Donoghue in her corner, she displayed the swagger that carried her to US Open glory, blending defensive resilience with creative shot-making. The setup allowed her to “switch on and off” rather than stay intensely focused, a balance she described as key: “I’m someone who works really hard and can be really intense, but sometimes too intense.” Off-court moments, like playing Spikeball with her team, underscored the positive vibes she craves. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova urged Raducanu to “commit” to a coach, but the young star seems content with her current flexibility, prioritizing trust over permanence.
As Raducanu prepares for the clay season, starting with a first-round match against Suzan Lamens in Madrid, her coaching setup remains a work in progress. Petchey’s broadcasting commitments with Tennis Channel may complicate a long-term role, but discussions are ongoing. “I just need to get to a place where I’m comfortable enough and secure enough in what I’m doing that it doesn’t matter what other people are saying,” Raducanu said, addressing critics like Andy Roddick, who suggested her frequent changes might deter top coaches. Her rise to World No. 48, fueled by Miami and a strong Billie Jean King Cup performance, proves she’s on the right track. With Petchey’s guidance and her renewed confidence, Raducanu is poised to silence doubters, one match at a time.
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