Emma Raducanu Reunites with Nick Cavaday for Grass Season as Mark Petchey Remains Absent
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, announced a surprising coaching shake-up on June 8, 2025, confirming that former coach Nick Cavaday will return to her team for the grass-court season, while Mark Petchey, her part-time coach since March, remains in Paris commentating at the French Open. Speaking at Queen’s Club ahead of the WTA 500 HSBC Championships (June 9-15), Raducanu expressed delight at Cavaday’s return, noting his improved health after stepping away in January 2025 for personal reasons following a 14-month stint. “I’m happy to see him healthy. It’s been a long time since we were last on court together,” she told Express.co.uk.
Cavaday, spotted on Queen’s practice courts, will guide Raducanu alongside Petchey, who is committed to the grass swing but absent due to his TNT Sports broadcasting duties, per @DExpress_Sport on X. Raducanu emphasized trust in both coaches, saying, “Mark and Nick have banks of experience, complement each other well, and I trust them a lot,” per motorcyclesports.net. Petchey’s informal role, which began at the Miami Open where Raducanu reached the quarter-finals, has been effective but limited by his media commitments, raising concerns about sustainability, as noted by Dan Evans: “It can’t last if she starts losing and Petchey’s in the commentary box.
Raducanu, ranked No. 41, faces a qualifier in singles at Queen’s and plays doubles with Katie Boulter, aiming to build momentum for Wimbledon (June 30-July 13). Her coaching duo’s dynamic, with Cavaday’s return filling Petchey’s absence, has sparked intrigue, with @yasminstefsyed on X noting their complementary roles.
