Jim Courier gives his honest opinion on Mark Petchey coaching Emma Raducanu and explains what he has changed in her game
Jim Courier has weighed in on Emma Raducanu’s latest coaching partnership with Mark Petchey, offering his perspective on what could make the pairing a success.
Courier, now a tennis commentator, joined Raducanu’s team during the Miami Open, where the British star enjoyed her best result of an otherwise frustrating 2025 season, reaching the quarter-finals. Following that run, Raducanu decided to continue working with Petchey.
Although it’s unclear how long their collaboration will last, early signs suggest it has been a positive move for the 23-year-old.
Courier: Petchey’s History with Raducanu Is Key
This isn’t Raducanu’s first time working with Petchey. The pair previously teamed up during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, a factor Courier believes could be crucial.
“When COVID hit, they worked together privately in the UK. He knew her before she became a star,” Courier told the Tennis Channel.
“Given her struggles to find consistent coaching relationships, leaning on someone familiar is really important. I don’t know how long it will last, but hopefully at least through the grass-court season.”
Courier emphasized that stability will be critical for Raducanu as she continues her search for consistent success both on and off the court.
Petchey Already Making Technical Adjustments
Since her shocking US Open victory four years ago, Raducanu has battled to find consistent form. Petchey, who knows her game well, has already started making adjustments — something Courier picked up on.
“No one’s expecting her to play well on clay — it’s not a natural surface for her,” Courier said.
“Grass is where she first made an impact, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon before winning the US Open. Right now, it’s all about building blocks for the grass-court season.”
One specific technical tweak has already caught Courier’s attention:
“He’s changed her service motion, adding more shoulder turn. The idea is to create more disguise and generate extra power. Overall, I see this as a huge positive for her on many levels — we’ll see where it leads.”
Looking Ahead
Raducanu, currently ranked world No 49, will be hoping the changes made under Petchey’s guidance can help her rediscover the form that once made her one of tennis’s brightest young stars.
