Emma Raducanu has confirmed Mark Petchey as her coach for the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, a decision announced on May 14, 2025, that involves a notable sacrifice from Petchey, who will forgo his broadcasting commitments with Tennis Channel to focus on her grass-court campaign. The former British No. 1 and commentator, who coached Andy Murray to his first ATP title in 2005, has been working with Raducanu on an ad-hoc basis since the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals—her best WTA 1000 result since her 2021 US Open title. The Telegraph reported that Petchey’s full-time availability for the grass season, including Wimbledon (June 30–July 13), was secured after Tennis Channel agreed to release him from commentary duties, a significant step given his established media career.[]
Raducanu, ranked No. 42, parted ways with childhood coach Nick Cavaday in January 2025 due to his health issues and ended a brief trial with Vladimir Platenik after Indian Wells due to a lack of chemistry. Petchey’s prior work with Raducanu, including tweaking her serve for more power and disguise, has yielded results, with seven wins in nine matches since Miami, including a career-best clay run at the Italian Open. She credits Petchey’s relaxed approach and long-standing trust—stemming from a 2020 technical stint—for her improved mindset, telling Sky Sports, “Having familiar faces like Mark brings small doses of happiness.”[]
The decision aligns with Raducanu’s goal, endorsed by Tim Henman, to secure a top-32 seed at Wimbledon, requiring a ranking boost from her current position. Her clay performances, including victories over Maya Joint and Veronika Kudermetova in Rome, position her well for Roland Garros and the grass season. Petchey’s sacrifice underscores his belief in Raducanu’s potential, with fans on X praising the move as a “smart choice” for stability. However, some express caution, noting her history of cycling through seven coaches since 2021, though Petchey’s experience and their bond suggest a promising partnership for Wimbledon.
