As the clay courts of Madrid come alive for the 2025 Madrid Open, British tennis star Emma Raducanu is stepping into the spotlight with renewed vigor, fueled by her evolving partnership with Mark Petchey, the former coach of tennis legend Andy Murray. The 22-year-old, whose meteoric rise at the 2021 US Open captivated the world, has faced a rollercoaster of challenges since, from injuries to frequent coaching changes. Now, her trust in Petchey, a familiar face from her pre-fame days, is sparking optimism as she aims to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite. Their collaboration, described as “informal” yet highly effective, is proving to be a game-changer as Raducanu prepares to face Dutch player Suzan Lamens in the tournament’s first round.
Raducanu’s journey since her historic US Open triumph has been anything but smooth. Plagued by injuries and a string of coaching transitions, she parted ways with six permanent coaches—Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, and Nick Cavaday—since 2021. Cavaday, her most recent full-time coach, stepped down in January 2025 for health reasons, leaving Raducanu to navigate a turbulent season. A brief trial with Slovakian coach Vladimir Platenik ended abruptly before the Miami Open, but it was in Miami that Raducanu found her stride with Petchey in her corner. Reaching her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal, she defeated formidable opponents like Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova, showcasing a level of consistency that had eluded her. “I have some really good people around me who I trust,” Raducanu said during that run, a sentiment that underscores her comfort with Petchey.
Petchey, a former British No. 1 and a respected commentator for the Tennis Channel, brings a wealth of experience to Raducanu’s team. Having coached a young Andy Murray to his first ATP title in 2006, Petchey’s tactical acumen and ability to foster a relaxed environment have resonated with Raducanu. Their history dates back to 2020, when they worked together at the National Tennis Centre during the pandemic, forging a bond rooted in mutual respect. “We haven’t made anything formal. It’s pretty informal for now, but it’s something that’s going really well,” Raducanu shared in Madrid, highlighting the easygoing dynamic that allows her to thrive. She credits Petchey with creating a “bubble” of positivity, where pre-match rituals like playing Spikeball help her stay loose and focused. “They bring small doses of happiness that just keep you going,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of their lighthearted routines.
The Madrid Open marks Raducanu’s return to competitive play after a strategic break following her Miami success. Opting out of the Billie Jean King Cup and the Rouen Open, she focused on a training block in Los Angeles, where she honed her game and embraced off-court balance with hiking and yoga. “I had a long start to the year with many weeks in a row, and I think my body and brain needed to have a little recharge,” she explained. Now ranked No. 49, Raducanu is eager to test her progress on clay, a surface where she faced a first-round exit in 2024. Her decision to prioritize health, bolstered by the addition of renowned fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, reflects a maturing approach to her career. “I’m happy with how I’m feeling on the court right now,” she said, exuding confidence as she prepares for Madrid.
Petchey’s role, however, comes with challenges. His commitments to the Tennis Channel limit his availability, prompting Raducanu to embrace a flexible arrangement. “He’s helping me as much as he can alongside his current commitments,” she said, noting their week-to-week approach. This informality suits Raducanu, who has grown wary of the scrutiny surrounding her coaching choices. “Every time I make a choice, it is up for judgment,” she admitted, expressing her desire to stay true to herself. Former British pro Tim Henman, while optimistic about the partnership, cautioned about Petchey’s availability, saying, “We’ll just have to wait and see.” Yet, Raducanu’s trust in Petchey’s “thought-provoking” insights and their shared history suggests a foundation strong enough to weather logistical hurdles.
As Raducanu steps onto the Madrid courts, she carries the hopes of British tennis fans eager for a resurgence. Her collaboration with Petchey, blending technical expertise with a fun, supportive atmosphere, is a beacon of stability in a career marked by flux. With the Italian Open and Roland Garros on the horizon, this partnership could be the key to unlocking her vast potential, proving that sometimes, the right voice—familiar, trusted, and encouraging—can make all the difference.