Emma Raducanu has confirmed she will continue working with Mark Petchey on an informal basis, following a successful trial during her quarter-final run at last month’s Miami Open.
“We’re keeping things informal for now and it’s been working,” Raducanu told The Guardian and BBC Sport ahead of the Madrid Open. “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time and I do feel like I can trust him.”
The arrangement remains flexible, with Petchey assisting Raducanu as his other commitments allow. The pair reunited in Miami after Raducanu opted not to proceed with a trial coaching partnership with Slovak coach Vladimir Platenik. Petchey, who coached Andy Murray early in his career, was already in Miami in a broadcasting role, and joined Raducanu’s team along with former player and friend Jane O’Donoghue.
Their positive experience in Florida led to a 10-day training block in Los Angeles after Raducanu withdrew from both the Billie Jean King Cup and the WTA event in Rouen, citing the need for rest and recovery.
“We created our own little bubble,” Raducanu said. “It was nice to be working on my game but also enjoying it. I’m happy with the setup right now—it’s been working well. I’ve known Mark since before the US Open win, and it’s nice having familiar faces around.”
Raducanu, 22, acknowledged that her nontraditional approach to coaching often draws public scrutiny. “It’s really difficult, because every decision I make feels like it’s judged on such a large scale,” she said. “I’m learning to focus on what feels authentic to me.”
She admits the pressure of public opinion has weighed on her in recent years, but she’s striving to tune it out. “I’m trying to be more true to myself—not just in tennis, but in life. That’s helping me feel happier and lighter.”
Her new mindset extends to life off-court. “I’m keeping things more lighthearted now. I get to the site, do my work, and leave. Yesterday I went to a yoga class, just randomly. I’ll go on hikes. I’ve stopped obsessing about being ‘locked in’ all the time. When I’m on court, I’m fully focused. So outside of that, I need to decompress.”
With her confidence growing and her support system solidifying, Raducanu looks to build on her Miami momentum as she heads into the Madrid Open.
