Raducanu Puts Coach Search on Hold Amidst Petchey Partnership
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has announced that she is putting her search for a new full-time coach on hold, opting instead to continue her part-time partnership with Mark Petchey. According to a report by the BBC, Raducanu has been working with Petchey on a casual basis since the Miami Open last month, and the two have seen considerable success together.
The BBC reports that Petchey, a well-known figure in British tennis circles and a former coach of Andy Murray, was in the coaching box as Raducanu reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, producing her best tennis of the season. As noted by the BBC, Raducanu had initially wanted Petchey to lead her team on a more regular basis, but the challenge of coordinating schedules around Petchey’s television broadcasting work has proved to be a stumbling block.
In an update on her coaching situation, Raducanu revealed that she is happy to "keep things informal" with Petchey, who will continue to work with her on a part-time basis. As quoted by the BBC, Raducanu said: "I’m happy with the set-up going forward right now – it’s been working well. I like him a lot and I’ve known him since before the US Open [victory in 2021] and it’s nice to have familiar faces around." The BBC notes that Raducanu and Petchey will continue to work together at the Madrid Open, which gets underway this week.
The decision to put her search for a full-time coach on hold is a significant development in Raducanu’s career, and one that is likely to be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. According to the BBC, Raducanu is currently ranked world number 49, and has been working to regain her form after a successful 2021 season that saw her win the US Open. As reported by the BBC, Raducanu’s partnership with Petchey has been seen as a positive step in her development, and one that could potentially yield further success on the court.
Raducanu’s decision to continue working with Petchey on a part-time basis also raises questions about her long-term coaching plans. As noted by the BBC, Raducanu has been without a full-time coach since her split from coach Torben Beltz in 2022. The BBC reports that Raducanu has been exploring various options for her coaching team, but it appears that she is in no rush to make a decision.
The BBC quotes Raducanu as saying that she is happy with the current arrangement, and that she is looking forward to continuing her work with Petchey. As reported by the BBC, Raducanu will be hoping to make a strong impression at the Madrid Open, which features a star-studded field and represents a significant test of her form and fitness. With Petchey in her corner, Raducanu will be looking to build on her recent successes and make a deep run in the tournament.
