Emma Raducanu has been cleared to work with Mark Petchey, a commentator for the Tennis Channel, as her coach for the upcoming Wimbledon tournament. This decision comes after a period of coaching changes and a recent quarter-final appearance at the Miami Open, where she competed without an official coach.
Petchey Gets Approval from Tennis Channel for Raducanu Partnership
Raducanu needed approval from the Tennis Channel, where Petchey works as a commentator, and that approval has been granted. This allows the former US Open champion to move forward with her plans to have Petchey join her team for the clay and grass court seasons, including Wimbledon.
Raducanu’s Recent Coaching Changes
Raducanu began the year working with Nick Cavaday, who had been instrumental in helping her regain her footing in 2024. However, Cavaday had to step down due to health reasons. Following Cavaday’s departure, Raducanu trialed Vlado Platenik, who was in her corner at Indian Wells. Platenik was not present at the Miami Open, where Raducanu reached the quarter-finals without a coach.
Petchey’s Presence in Raducanu’s Camp
Despite not being her official coach at the time, Mark Petchey was part of Raducanu’s entourage in Miami. Now, their partnership is set to become official as they prepare for the clay and grass court seasons.
Petchey’s Coaching Background
Mark Petchey is a former singles and doubles player who has previously coached Andy Murray early in his career. The Tennis Channel’s decision not to stand in his way reflects a history of allowing its analysts, such as Lindsay Davenport and Paul Annacone, to work with players.
Raducanu “Re-evaluating” After Miami Open
After her run at the Miami Open, Raducanu stated that she needed to “take a beat and kind of reevaluate what I’m doing. This week it was good but I need to kind of just figure things out and then I’ll make a plan from there.” Despite a loss to Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals, Raducanu expressed that she could take “some good positives from this week and look forward.”
Platenik’s Perspective
Vlado Platenik, Raducanu’s former coach, claimed that he could have taken her back into the world’s top 20 after only two weeks of working together. He also suggested that his presence might have been creating too much pressure on her. Despite their short time together, Platenik was impressed with Raducanu’s rapid improvement, noting her positive attitude and quick learning.
Raducanu’s Improved Ranking and Future Plans
Raducanu’s performance at the Miami Open is expected to propel her back into the world’s top 50 for the first time since September 2022. Looking ahead, she is scheduled to represent Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in the Netherlands and compete at the WTA 250 event in Oeiras, Portugal, skipping the higher-tier Porsche Tennis Grand Prix for the first time in three years.
Henman’s Praise for Raducanu
Tim Henman praised Raducanu’s performance at the Miami Open, highlighting her movement and aggressive play. He believes that her series of match wins will give her a significant confidence boost.
No Comment! Be the first one.