In the fast-paced world of professional tennis, where coaching changes can make or break a player’s season, Emma Raducanu’s recent partnership with Mark Petchey has sparked excitement and optimism. Former British No. 1 Laura Robson, who has previously worked with Petchey, recently shared her enthusiastic take on this collaboration, highlighting the chemistry and trust that seem to be propelling Raducanu toward a promising run at the 2025 French Open and beyond. As Raducanu prepares to face Wang Xinyu in the opening round at Roland Garros, Robson’s insights offer a glimpse into why this coaching dynamic could be a game-changer for the 2021 US Open champion.
Raducanu, now 22, has endured a rollercoaster career since her historic triumph in New York four years ago. Injuries, inconsistent form, and a revolving door of coaches have tested her resilience. However, since reuniting with Petchey in March 2025, ahead of the Miami Open, Raducanu has shown signs of rediscovering her spark. The pair previously worked together briefly in 2020, before her breakout success, which adds a layer of familiarity to their current partnership. This connection, according to Robson, is a key ingredient in Raducanu’s recent resurgence.
“I think Emma’s got a good chance against anyone,” Robson wrote in her column for a major sports outlet. “She’s playing great at the moment, has a lot of belief in what she’s doing on the court and has some trust in who she’s with at the moment, in Petch [Mark Petchey] and Jane [O’Donoghue].” Robson’s words reflect a deep confidence in Raducanu’s current trajectory, emphasizing the importance of the trust she has built with Petchey and long-time mentor Jane O’Donoghue. This trio forms a tight-knit support system that has helped Raducanu navigate the demanding clay court season with newfound confidence.
Raducanu’s recent performances back up Robson’s optimism. She reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, her best result at a WTA 1000 event, and powered through to the fourth round of the Italian Open. Her victory over former world No. 8 Daria Kasatkina at the Strasbourg Open, where she won 6-1, 6-3, showcased her growing comfort on clay—a surface that has historically challenged her. Raducanu’s ability to mix aggressive play with tactical variety, including slices and drop shots, has been a hallmark of her recent matches, and Petchey’s influence is evident in her relaxed yet focused approach.
Robson, who shares a history with Petchey from her own playing days, believes the coach’s experience and personality are perfectly suited to Raducanu. Petchey, a former British No. 1 himself, brings a wealth of experience, having worked with players like Andy Murray and Serena Williams. His approach, which emphasizes fun warm-ups like spikeball or football, has helped Raducanu loosen up and enjoy her time on the court. This lighter atmosphere contrasts with the intense pressure Raducanu has faced since her US Open win, and it seems to be paying dividends.
“So, I can see things going well for her over the next few months,” Robson added, pointing to Raducanu’s potential to make a deep run at Roland Garros and carry that momentum into the grass-court season. However, Petchey’s dual role as a Tennis Channel commentator has raised questions about the sustainability of this partnership. He juggles his coaching duties with media commitments, which means O’Donoghue often steps in during his absences. While this arrangement has worked so far, Raducanu has acknowledged the need to find a more permanent solution to ensure consistency.
Despite these challenges, the consensus among tennis insiders is that Petchey’s impact has been overwhelmingly positive. His ability to instill belief in Raducanu, combined with her improved physical and mental resilience, has her poised for a strong showing in Paris. As Robson noted, Raducanu’s trust in her team is palpable, and this foundation could be the key to unlocking her full potential. With the French Open on the horizon, all eyes will be on Raducanu to see if she can translate this newfound confidence into a deep tournament run, proving that her partnership with Petchey is more than just a temporary fix.
# Emma Raducanu and Mark Petchey: A Promising Partnership
## A New Chapter for Raducanu
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has been navigating a challenging yet exhilarating journey in professional tennis. After a meteoric rise at age 18, the 22-year-old Brit has faced injuries, inconsistent form, and frequent coaching changes. However, her reunion with coach Mark Petchey in March 2025 has sparked a resurgence, with Raducanu showing flashes of the brilliance that made her a household name. As she prepares for the French Open, former British No. 1 Laura Robson has voiced strong support for this partnership, highlighting the trust and chemistry driving Raducanu’s recent success.
## Laura Robson’s Endorsement
Laura Robson, who has worked with Petchey in the past, believes this collaboration is a perfect fit. “I think Emma’s got a good chance against anyone,” Robson stated. “She’s playing great at the moment, has a lot of belief in what she’s doing on the court and has some trust in who she’s with at the moment, in Petch [Mark Petchey] and Jane [O’Donoghue].” This trust, Robson suggests, is crucial for Raducanu, who has struggled to find stability since her US Open triumph. With Petchey and long-time mentor Jane O’Donoghue by her side, Raducanu appears to have found a supportive team that complements her playing style and personality.
## On-Court Resurgence
Raducanu’s recent performances reflect the positive impact of her coaching setup. Since reuniting with Petchey, she reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open and the fourth round of the Italian Open. Her standout 6-1, 6-3 victory over Daria Kasatkina at the Strasbourg Open demonstrated her growing confidence on clay, a surface where she has historically struggled. Raducanu’s ability to blend aggressive play with tactical variety—incorporating slices, drop shots, and fluid movement—has been a testament to Petchey’s influence.
## Petchey’s Unique Approach
Mark Petchey, a former British No. 1 and coach to players like Andy Murray and Serena Williams, brings a wealth of experience to Raducanu’s camp. His coaching style emphasizes enjoyment, with fun warm-ups like spikeball and football helping Raducanu relax under pressure. This approach has been a breath of fresh air for the young star, who has faced intense scrutiny since her 2021 breakthrough. Robson predicts that this dynamic could lead to strong results in the coming months, particularly at Roland Garros and during the grass-court season.
## Challenges and Future Outlook
While the partnership has been successful, Petchey’s commitments as a Tennis Channel commentator pose challenges. Jane O’Donoghue, a family friend and former LTA coach, has been filling in during his absences, but Raducanu acknowledges the need for a long-term solution. Despite these hurdles, the optimism surrounding Raducanu’s game is palpable. “So, I can see things going well for her over the next few months,” Robson noted, echoing the sentiment that Raducanu’s trust in her team could propel her to new heights. As the French Open looms, Raducanu’s partnership with Petchey will be tested, but the early signs suggest a bright future.
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