As Emma Raducanu stepped onto the clay courts of Madrid’s Caja Magica for the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, her steely focus was underpinned by a coaching team that blends trust, familiarity, and tactical acumen. The 22-year-old British star, ranked world No. 47, has entrusted her clay-court campaign to a trio of familiar faces: Mark Petchey, a former British No. 1 and seasoned coach; Jane O’Donoghue, a longtime mentor and ex-LTA coach; and Yutaka Nakamura, a renowned fitness trainer with a track record of sculpting Grand Slam champions. This ad hoc yet tight-knit group, which guided Raducanu to a quarter-final run at the Miami Open in March, has fostered a relaxed yet driven environment, helping her navigate a pivotal season. “We’re keeping things informal for now and it’s been working,” Raducanu said, her words reflecting a newfound confidence in a setup that prioritizes trust over rigidity.
Raducanu’s journey to Madrid has been one of resilience. After a breakout 2021 US Open title, injuries and coaching changes plagued her progress, with surgeries on both wrists and an ankle in 2023 sidelining her for much of the season. Her 2025 campaign started with promise—a third-round Australian Open run—but a back injury and the departure of coach Nick Cavaday in January due to health issues left her searching for stability. A brief trial with Slovakian coach Vladimír Pláteník in March fizzled out before the Miami Open, where Raducanu turned to Petchey and O’Donoghue. The result? A spirited quarter-final showing, her best since her Grand Slam triumph, fueled by a positive vibe. “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,” she told reporters, crediting the team’s lighthearted approach, which included pre-match spikeball games to keep her loose.
Mark Petchey, 54, brings a wealth of experience to Raducanu’s corner. A former coach to a young Andy Murray, Petchey helped the Scot secure his first ATP title in 2006. His brief stint with Raducanu in 2020, fine-tuning technical aspects at the National Tennis Centre, laid the groundwork for their current partnership. Now juggling coaching with his role as a Tennis Channel analyst, Petchey’s tactical insights resonate with Raducanu, who thrives on strategic play. “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time and I do feel like I can trust him,” she said, emphasizing the week-to-week flexibility that suits her. In Madrid, Petchey’s presence in her box, shouting encouragement during her gritty 7-6(4), 6-4 first-round win over Suzan Lamens on April 23, underscored his active role, despite his broadcasting commitments.
Jane O’Donoghue, a former player and LTA coach, adds a layer of emotional security. A confidante since Raducanu’s junior days, O’Donoghue’s steady presence complements Petchey’s energy. Their “little bubble” during a 10-day training block in Los Angeles post-Miami—where Raducanu skipped the Billie Jean King Cup to focus on clay preparation—proved transformative. “We created our own little bubble and it was nice to be working on my game out there but at the same time having fun and enjoying it,” Raducanu reflected. Off-court activities like hiking and yoga in Madrid further illustrate her quest for balance, a priority after a traumatic incident in Dubai in February, where a stalker’s “fixated behaviour” left her in tears mid-match.
Yutaka Nakamura, the fitness guru who joined Raducanu’s team in December 2024, rounds out the trio. Having trained Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, Nakamura’s expertise is pivotal as Raducanu aims to become “one of the best athletes in tennis.” His focus on building a robust physique has bolstered her durability, evident in her ability to outlast Lamens’ punishing forehands in Madrid. “I think building a body, that’s a continuous process,” Raducanu noted, acknowledging the long-term vision Nakamura brings.
This coaching setup, though informal, has sparked optimism. Raducanu’s Madrid win—her first on outdoor clay since the 2022 French Open—sets up a second-round clash with 24th seed Marta Kostyuk, a rematch of her 6-2, 6-1 rout in 2022. With no points to defend from last year’s early exit, she eyes a rankings boost, potentially overtaking Katie Boulter as British No. 1. “I’m happy with how I just got on with it and didn’t try to make too many excuses or complain,” she said, signaling a maturing mindset. As Petchey, O’Donoghue, and Nakamura guide her through the clay swing, Raducanu’s blend of grit, trust, and off-court levity could propel her toward the top echelons once more.