British tennis star Emma Raducanu has returned to the Madrid Open in 2025 with renewed form—and a refreshed support team. After a first-round loss in the Spanish capital last year, Raducanu began this year’s campaign with a strong start, defeating Suzan Lamens 7-6(4), 6-4 to move into the second round.
The win follows her recent breakthrough at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career. It marks a welcome upswing in form after a rocky start to the season that included the departure of long-time coach Nick Cavaday due to health concerns.
To stabilize her team, Raducanu has turned to two familiar faces as she competes in the Caja Mágica.
Mark Petchey: A Trusted Advisor in an Informal Role
Mark Petchey is a well-known figure in the tennis world, recognized for his broadcasting roles with Sky Sports, Tennis Channel, and the BBC. But before he was behind the mic, Petchey was a professional player who reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 80. He later coached Andy Murray during the early years of his career and helped guide him to his first ATP title.
Raducanu first worked with Petchey in 2020 and brought him back on board for her successful run in Miami. Despite reports of a permanent partnership, Raducanu clarified the nature of their collaboration in a pre-tournament interview with Sky Sports.
“We haven’t made anything formal. It’s pretty informal for now, but it’s going really well,” she said. “He’s someone I feel I can trust because I’ve known him so long. It’s nice to be with someone I feel comfortable with.”
Jane O’Donoghue: A Quiet but Consistent Presence
While not as well-known to the public, Jane O’Donoghue has played an important role in Raducanu’s development. A former professional herself, O’Donoghue reached a career-high of No. 189 and competed at Wimbledon four times before retiring in 2007.
Post-retirement, she joined the LTA as a junior coach, where she first crossed paths with a young Raducanu. The two have remained in contact over the years. O’Donoghue rejoined Raducanu’s team during the 2024 grass-court season and has been a key part of her coaching staff since the departure of Cavaday, including during the Qatar Open and Miami Open this year.
As Raducanu moves forward in Madrid, all eyes will be on her evolving partnership with Petchey and O’Donoghue—two figures who offer both experience and a sense of familiarity to the rising British star.
Next Match: Raducanu is set to face former rival Marta Kostyuk in Round 2.
