As the clay courts of the Madrid Open beckon, Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has stepped into the spotlight not only for her anticipated return to competitive tennis but also for the ongoing intrigue surrounding her coaching setup. The 22-year-old British star, currently ranked World No. 49, has been navigating a pivotal phase in her career, balancing her quest for consistency with a refreshed approach to her professional journey. Ahead of her first-round match against Dutch player Suzan Lamens on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Raducanu has provided clarity on her collaboration with Mark Petchey, a familiar figure in her camp and a respected voice in tennis.
Raducanu’s coaching saga has been a topic of fascination since her meteoric rise to Grand Slam glory. Known for her frequent changes in coaching staff—having worked with seven different trainers in the past four years—she has faced scrutiny for her approach. However, her recent performances, particularly a standout quarter-final run at the Miami Open last month, suggest she’s finding her footing. In Miami, Petchey, a former British No. 1 and Andy Murray’s early mentor, was in her coaching box alongside long-time friend Jane O’Donoghue. The trio’s synergy sparked a resurgence in Raducanu’s game, with victories over top-10 player Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova marking her best showing since her US Open triumph.
Addressing the speculation about Petchey’s role, Raducanu emphasized the informal nature of their partnership. “We haven’t made anything formal. It’s pretty informal for now, but it’s something that’s going really well,” she shared in a candid interview. “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 I feel comfortable with.” This arrangement, which began during a training block in the pandemic summer of 2020 at the National Tennis Centre in London, allows Raducanu to benefit from Petchey’s expertise without the rigidity of a permanent contract. Petchey, a seasoned broadcaster for the Tennis Channel, has been balancing his commentary duties with coaching, a flexibility that suits Raducanu’s current philosophy.
The decision to maintain an informal setup reflects Raducanu’s evolving mindset. After a demanding start to the 2025 season, she opted for a mid-season break post-Miami, withdrawing from the Rouen Open and Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers to focus on training and recovery. “I’ve realized now that less is more for me sometimes,” she explained. “I work really intense and really hard, and can definitely be partial to overkilling it sometimes. It’s just making sure when I’m on the court, I’m maxing out for X amount of time so I can focus, and then once I’m done, I’m switching off better.” This “reset” has left her feeling rejuvenated as she embarks on her clay-court campaign, a surface where she has played sparingly in recent years.
Petchey’s influence has been notable, with observers like former world No. 1 Andy Roddick praising their collaboration. Roddick suggested that Raducanu’s comfort with Petchey could unlock her potential, noting she “looked like a top-10 player in Miami.” However, a permanent role for Petchey faces hurdles, primarily his commitments to the Tennis Channel, which holds broadcasting rights for numerous tournaments. An exception is Wimbledon, where Petchey’s availability aligns with Raducanu’s favorite grass-court season, potentially deepening their partnership in the summer.
As Raducanu prepares to face Lamens in Madrid, with a possible second-round clash against Marta Kostyuk and a daunting quarter-final against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka looming, her focus is on refining her game. The clay swing, including the upcoming Italian Open and Roland Garros, offers a chance to climb the rankings, especially with only 10 ranking points to defend. Her relaxed coaching dynamic, coupled with a renewed emphasis on balance, positions her to make waves. “I’m still figuring things out: what works for me, what doesn’t. What gets the best out of me,” she said, signaling a player embracing both her vulnerabilities and her ambitions.
With Petchey’s guidance and her own resilience, Raducanu’s Madrid Open campaign is more than a return to competition—it’s a testament to her growth as a player and a person, ready to carve her path on her own terms.