Over the past four years, Emma Raducanu has worked with seven different coaches, a pattern that has drawn attention as she searches for a stable and lasting coaching relationship. Most recently, after parting ways with Nick Cavaday in January due to his health issues and ending a brief trial with Vladimir Platenik, Raducanu has been navigating the WTA tour without a full-time coach. However, at the Miami Open, she was seen with two familiar faces in her box: Jane O’Donoghue and Mark Petchey—both of whom have coached her in the past. This reunion coincided with her best performance since her 2021 US Open triumph, as she reached the quarterfinals. Raducanu expressed how much she values having “really good people around me who I trust,” hinting at a possible rekindling of past working relationships.
Instead of joining Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team for qualifiers, Raducanu chose to focus on training and recovery in preparation for the Madrid Open. Amid speculation, questions have arisen about her current relationship with Mark Petchey. In a past interview, Raducanu described her ideal coach as someone with a strong work ethic, genuine passion, and hunger for success—someone who doesn’t view coaching as just a job. Petchey, who previously coached Andy Murray early in his career and worked with Raducanu during the pandemic, seems to fit that mold. Their rapport and mutual respect are already well established.
Ahead of her opening match in Madrid against Dutch world No. 69 Suzan Lamens, Raducanu spoke with Sky Sports Tennis. She reflected on her training approach, noting that she’s learned to balance intensity with rest. “I’ve realised now that less is more for me sometimes,” she explained. “I work really intense and really hard and can definitely be partial to overkilling it sometimes.” She emphasized the importance of maximizing effort during focused sessions, then switching off to recover properly.
While taking a break can help her reset physically and mentally, it doesn’t resolve the uncertainty around her coaching structure. Asked directly about her current setup with Petchey, Raducanu said, “We haven’t made anything formal. It’s pretty informal for now but is something that’s going really well.” She noted the trust she feels with him, adding that their dynamic is working well for the moment as she continues to explore what brings out her best on and off the court. Notably, she mentioned she’s less focused on technical adjustments now, indicating a shift in her approach.
After Miami, Raducanu spent nearly ten days training with Petchey in Los Angeles before returning to Europe. She said they worked on movement and adapting to different court surfaces. Beyond training, she appreciated the off-court chemistry they share, saying, “It was nice to be around him, not just on the court. He’s someone I get on really well with, and we always have very thought-provoking, interesting conversations.”
The news of Petchey’s involvement has sparked debate in the tennis world. Some, like Andy Roddick, see him as a good fit but worry that Raducanu’s history of frequent coaching changes could discourage top-tier coaches from committing long-term. Jon Wertheim echoed these concerns, contrasting her with players like the Williams sisters, whose consistent support teams helped build lasting success. Raducanu, in a recent BBC interview, acknowledged that her decisions often face public scrutiny. However, she emphasized the importance of becoming confident and secure in her choices, regardless of outside opinions. With Petchey, she seems to have found some stability—at least for now.
Looking ahead to her campaign in Madrid, the draw presents significant challenges. After facing Lamens—who reached the semifinals at the Open de Rouen—Raducanu could potentially face Marta Kostyuk in the second round, followed by Paula Badosa, Qinwen Zheng, Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and potentially Iga Swiatek or Coco Gauff if she advances deep into the tournament.
Despite the tough path, tennis commentators remain optimistic. Former pro Laura Robson noted that clay courts can be instrumental for developing well-rounded skills, while also pointing out that different events like Madrid and Rome offer varying conditions. Tim Henman praised Raducanu’s ability to stay true to herself and compete consistently, suggesting that this year might mark a turning point in her results.
Raducanu’s previous outings at the Madrid Open have been mixed—she reached the third round in 2022 but exited in the first round in 2024. This year’s event could be a crucial test: whether her more relaxed and balanced approach with Petchey’s informal guidance can finally bring her the consistency and success she’s been seeking.