Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has decided to pause her search for a permanent coach, opting instead to deepen her partnership with Mark Petchey, a familiar face in British tennis. This decision follows a standout performance at the Miami Open in March 2025, where Raducanu reached her first-ever WTA 1000 quarter-final. The relaxed, trust-based dynamic she shares with Petchey, a former coach of Andy Murray, has sparked a renewed sense of confidence in the 22-year-old British No. 2, who is currently ranked No. 47 in the world.
Raducanu’s coaching journey has been a whirlwind since her meteoric rise to fame. After parting ways with Nick Cavaday in January 2025 due to his health concerns, she briefly trialed Slovakian coach Vladimir Platenik. However, feeling “stressed and under pressure,” she ended that partnership on the eve of the Miami Open. Stepping in were Petchey and Jane O’Donoghue, a long-time confidante and mentor. The trio’s chemistry was evident as Raducanu delivered her best tennis in years, defeating top-10 player Emma Navarro and recent WTA 1000 winner Amanda Anisimova. “I wasn’t necessarily feeling great about my tennis, about everything, but this week I have some really good people around me who I trust and who I have fun with off the court, and that’s extremely important,” Raducanu reflected after her Miami run.
The decision to continue with Petchey on an “informal” basis marks a departure from the traditional coaching model for a top player. Raducanu, who has worked with seven coaches since her US Open triumph—including Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, and Cavaday—seems to be embracing a freer, more authentic approach this season. “I can trust him,” she said of Petchey, highlighting the personal bond that has grown since they first worked together in the summer of 2020 at the National Tennis Centre during the pandemic. Their conversations, which she describes as “thought-provoking,” have fostered a relaxed atmosphere that allows her to “express” herself on the court. This was evident in Miami, where warm-up games of spikeball with Petchey and O’Donoghue brought laughter and ease to her pre-match routine.
Petchey, a former British No. 1 who peaked at world No. 80 in 1994, brings a wealth of experience. Beyond his early work with Murray, during which the Scot won his first ATP title in 2006, Petchey has coached WTA players like Silvija Talaja and Tina Pisnik to top-20 and top-30 rankings, respectively. His technical expertise, particularly in refining Raducanu’s serve, was a key factor in her Miami success. However, his commitment to Tennis Channel as a commentator poses a challenge. Raducanu, now competing at the Madrid Open, noted that Petchey is “fitting” her around his broadcasting schedule, a hurdle that may limit the partnership’s longevity.
The tennis world has taken notice of Raducanu’s unconventional approach. Andy Roddick, a former US Open champion, praised her Miami performance, saying she “looked like a top-10 player.” He expressed hope that she would give the relationship with Petchey time to develop, noting, “I hope it all works with Petchey. She is just so good for the game and she is so good at tennis.” Yet, Roddick also voiced concerns about her frequent coaching changes, suggesting they might deter top coaches wary of short-term stints.
Raducanu’s recent trajectory reflects resilience. After undergoing double wrist surgery in 2023 and facing a stalker incident at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February 2025, she has competed in seven tournaments this year—her busiest start to a season. Following Miami, she withdrew from the Billie Jean King Cup and a WTA 250 event in Rouen to rest and train with Petchey in Los Angeles for 10 days. This training block, aimed at building physical resilience, underscores her commitment to balancing recovery with ambition as she eyes the clay and grass seasons, where her game has historically thrived.
As Raducanu prepares for the Madrid Open, her partnership with Petchey signals a bold, if unconventional, step forward. By prioritizing trust and enjoyment over a rigid coaching structure, she is carving a unique path in a sport that often demands conformity. Whether this “informal” setup can sustain her climb back to the top remains to be seen, but for now, Raducanu is relishing the freedom to play her way, with a trusted ally by her side.