Emma Raducanu is reportedly in discussions with British coach and tennis pundit Mark Petchey as she looks to appoint a full-time coach. Petchey recently worked with Raducanu on an informal basis during the Miami Open, where she reached her first WTA 1000 quarter-final.
This wouldn’t be the first time Petchey has coached the British No. 2 — he also worked with her prior to her breakout 2021 season. After parting ways with Nick Cavaday in January, Raducanu has been without a permanent coach and has expressed a desire to take her time in choosing the right fit.
According to BBC Sport, Raducanu is eager to bring Petchey on board full-time, although an agreement has yet to be finalized.
Petchey joined Raducanu in Miami alongside Jane O’Donoghue, a long-time supporter and mentor. The former coach of Andy Murray was already in Florida for his Tennis Channel duties but stepped in to assist Raducanu, providing a familiar presence.
Speaking after her quarter-final run, Raducanu said she felt “comfortable” and “relaxed” with her support team in Miami. “I feel like in my environment, in my surroundings with the people I’m with, I can be myself and expressive and true to myself. That’s important for me,” she said.
She credited Petchey with fostering a “relaxed environment” while maintaining focus when needed. “I’m someone who works really hard and can be really intense, but sometimes too intense. Just being able to switch off and have fun, like playing Spikeball before matches — those small doses of happiness keep you going.”
Before Miami, Raducanu had begun a trial period with Slovakian coach Vladimir Platenik at Indian Wells. However, the partnership ended after a week, with her team stating that it wasn’t moving in the “right direction.”
Following her loss to Jessica Pegula in Miami, Raducanu withdrew from Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifier, citing the need to prioritize her physical well-being after a demanding stretch on tour. The 22-year-old is now expected to take part in a training block before returning to competition.
