Emma Raducanu has decided to maintain her current, largely informal coaching arrangement with Mark Petchey, foregoing a formal commitment for now. The 22-year-old British tennis star, currently ranked 49th in the world, returned to the top 50 after reaching the quarter-finals at the Miami Open last month. However, following that success, Raducanu initially sought to solidify Petchey’s role as her primary coach, anticipating a more consistent presence on tour. This ambition was hampered by scheduling conflicts related to Petchey’s television broadcasting commitments.
Despite this setback, Raducanu has opted for a relaxed approach, emphasizing the value of their existing relationship and trust. She’s been working with Petchey since before her historic 2021 US Open victory and finds comfort in his familiarity. The pair have created a ‘little bubble,’ as Raducanu described it, prioritizing enjoyment alongside rigorous training during a recent ten-day training block in Los Angeles. This time was spent focusing on game improvement and mental stimulation, incorporating activities like hiking and yoga – reflecting a conscious effort towards work-life balance.
Raducanu has a rich history of coaching changes throughout her career, previously working with Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson (who guided her to the US Open title), Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Sebastian Sachs. She’s currently taking a break from full-time coaching since January when Nick Cavaday stepped down for health reasons after a two-week trial period. The dynamic with Petchey is characterized by mutual respect; he’s not just offering tactical advice but also providing mental support and constantly challenging Raducanu, something she values.
The partnership’s success is evident in her recent performance. Following the training block, she’ll be competing this week at the Madrid Open against Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands. Raducanu acknowledges a demanding start to 2024, having played numerous consecutive weeks and recognizing the need for recovery. She’s mindful of the transition to clay-court season, stating that she isn’t yet ready to seamlessly switch surfaces in back-to-back tournaments due to her body’s adjustment needs.
The support team also includes Jane O’Donoghue, further demonstrating Raducanu’s emphasis on familiar faces and a supportive environment. The focus remains on a flexible approach, with Petchey ‘fitting’ around his broadcasting schedule – a pragmatic solution that allows both parties to maintain momentum without sacrificing personal commitments.
