Emma Raducanu has confirmed that she intends to continue her coaching partnership with Mark Petchey on an informal basis after a successful quarter-final run at the Miami Open. In an interview, Raducanu shared that she and Petchey are keeping things flexible for now, with no official commitments in place. Their working relationship began during the Miami Open, and despite challenges, Raducanu expressed her trust in Petchey, emphasizing their long-standing relationship. She appreciates his support and values the trust they have built over time, noting that their arrangement has been effective thus far.
Raducanu had initially arrived at the Miami Open with a trial arrangement involving Slovak coach Vladimir Platenik. However, she chose to dissolve that partnership before the tournament began and instead sought the help of Petchey, who was in Miami as a broadcaster for the Tennis Channel. Raducanu was also joined by her close friend, former player Jane O’Donoghue, who provided additional support during the event. The partnership with Petchey proved to be fruitful, as Raducanu enjoyed her time working with him and decided to continue the collaboration after the tournament.
Following the Miami Open, Raducanu made the decision to withdraw from both the Billie Jean King Cup and a WTA 250 event in Rouen, opting instead for a period of rest and recovery. During this time, she and Petchey conducted a focused 10-day training block in Los Angeles, which allowed Raducanu to work on her game while maintaining a balance of fun and relaxation. Raducanu spoke positively of the training atmosphere, describing it as a “little bubble” where she could improve her tennis without feeling overwhelmed.
Though Petchey will be present in Madrid for the upcoming tournament, his schedule is not solely dedicated to Raducanu, as he has other commitments. Nonetheless, Raducanu is content with the current arrangement, stating that it is working well for her. She appreciates having familiar faces around her, including Petchey and O’Donoghue, as she navigates the pressures of her professional life.
The unconventional nature of Raducanu’s approach to coaching working informally with a coach has drawn attention, but she remains resolute in her decision. She acknowledged the scrutiny that comes with her choices and the public judgment of her every decision, both on and off the court. Over time, Raducanu has learned to block out the noise and focus on what feels right for her. She admitted that it has been difficult to handle external opinions, especially when people are critical of her decisions. However, she emphasized the importance of finding confidence in her choices and becoming more secure in her path.
In recent years, Raducanu has struggled with the weight of public perception, often caring too much about what others think. But she is now focused on staying true to herself, doing what feels authentic, and finding balance in her life. She believes that embracing a more lighthearted approach to life off the court has helped her perform better. For instance, she has incorporated activities like yoga and hiking into her routine, allowing herself moments of relaxation and decompression. She recognizes the need for these breaks, as they help her maintain focus and energy when it’s time to compete.
Raducanu’s journey is one of self-discovery and learning to manage the pressures of professional sport while prioritizing her well-being. By fostering a supportive environment with her coach and close friends, she aims to continue improving her game while enjoying her life and finding happiness both on and off the court.
