Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has chosen Mark Petchey as her preferred permanent coach following a successful collaboration at the 2025 Miami Open, where she reached the quarterfinals, defeating players like Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova. However, a significant hurdle threatens the partnership: Petchey’s ongoing commitments as a Tennis Channel broadcaster, which restrict his availability for full-time coaching. This conflict has raised doubts about the feasibility of their long-term arrangement, with concerns voiced by peers like Dan Evans and Tim Henman.
After parting ways with Nick Cavaday in January 2025 due to his health issues, Raducanu worked with Petchey and Jane O’Donoghue in Miami, marking her best tournament performance since her US Open triumph, with four match wins. Petchey, who coached Raducanu as a junior and briefly in 2020, offers familiarity and a calming presence, aligning with her need for a trusted figure. In a May 6, 2025, interview with *The Times*, Raducanu expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’m happy with Mark… It’s really good to be together,” but noted the need to “rejig” her team due to his scheduling conflicts. Her decision reflects a desire for stability after cycling through seven coaches—Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, Cavaday, and a brief trial with Vladimir Platenik—since turning pro.
Petchey’s role as a Tennis Channel commentator, involving regular studio and match analysis, limits his ability to commit fully to Raducanu’s demanding schedule. Tim Henman, speaking to *Sky Sports* on March 25, 2025, highlighted the issue: “Petch is working for the Tennis Channel and has a commitment to them.” Dan Evans was more blunt on *5 Live Sport* (May 7, 2025), predicting, “It can’t last if she starts losing matches and Petchey is in the commentary box. That’s not going to work.” Evans suggested Raducanu would soon seek another coach, as a part-time arrangement is unsustainable for a player aiming to climb from her No. 49 ranking and compete at Grand Slams.
Raducanu’s frequent coaching changes have drawn criticism, but she attributes them to her inquisitive nature, telling *BBC Radio 4* in 2023, “On certain occasions, they haven’t been able to keep up with the questions I’ve asked.” Her brief stint with Platenik at Indian Wells 2025 ended after one match due to stress and poor chemistry, reinforcing her preference for familiar figures like Petchey. Off-court pressures, including a 2025 Dubai stalking incident and her fear of doping contamination (expressed to *The Sun* before Rome), underscore her need for a reliable support system. Barbara Schett, on *Tennis365* (January 24, 2025), identified injuries as her primary obstacle, noting that consistent coaching could help build momentum.
At the 2025 Italian Open, Raducanu is working with O’Donoghue and fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, with Petchey’s involvement uncertain due to his broadcasting duties. Her recent clay-court struggles, evident in a 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 loss to Marta Kostyuk at Madrid, highlight the urgency of a stable coaching setup. Posts on X, such as @tennis365com (May 7, 2025), label the situation a “coaching controversy,” reflecting fan concern about her progress. While Raducanu hopes to formalize her partnership with Petchey, his limited availability may force her to reconsider, potentially extending her search for a coach who can fully commit to her goal of returning to the elite level.
