Emma Raducanu is prioritizing a relaxed coaching strategy following her strong performance at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals and returned to the world’s top 50. Rather than seeking a full-time replacement for Nick Cavaday, who stepped down due to health concerns, Raducanu has decided to continue her partnership with Mark Petchey on a part-time basis.
The pairing began informally at the Miami Open, with Petchey joining her support team alongside long-time confidante Jane O’Donoghue. Petchey, a former coach of Andy Murray and a well-known figure in British tennis, has been instrumental in helping Raducanu navigate her return to competitive form.
Despite initial plans for Petchey to take on a more substantial role after Miami, logistical challenges surrounding his television broadcasting commitments have led to the current arrangement. Raducanu expressed her satisfaction with this flexible setup, emphasizing that it’s currently ‘working well.’ She values Petchey’s familiarity and trust in him.
Raducanu has a history of working with diverse coaching teams, previously collaborating with Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson (during her US Open victory), Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, and Sebastian Sachs. Her decision to maintain an informal structure reflects her desire for a comfortable and supportive environment, allowing her to express herself authentically on the court.
Following Miami, Raducanu opted for a strategic training block in Los Angeles, skipping the Billie Jean King Cup tie and focusing on honing her game. This period involved 10 days of work with Petchey, alongside activities such as hiking trips in the mountains and yoga sessions. Raducanu highlighted the ‘thought-provoking’ nature of their conversations and appreciated the mental stimulation he provides.
Looking ahead, Raducanu will compete this week at the Madrid Open against Suzan Lamens, marking her first match since losing to Jessica Pegula in Miami on March 27th. She acknowledged a demanding start to the year and noted that her body and mind needed a recharge. Given the transition to clay-court surfaces, Raducanu believes she’s not yet ready for back-to-back matches on different surfaces.
The partnership with Petchey is designed to be adaptable, allowing Raducanu to prioritize both her tennis development and overall well-being. She stated that “we created our own little bubble” in LA during the training block, enjoying a balance of focused work and recreational activities.
