As the clay courts of the 2025 Madrid Open pulse with anticipation, Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, steps into the fray, her comeback fueled by a revitalized mindset and a coaching setup sparking intrigue. The 22-year-old Brit, ranked world No. 49, is navigating a defining moment in her career, blending her pursuit of consistency with newfound clarity. Ahead of her first-round clash with Dutch player Suzan Lamens on April 23, Raducanu has shed light on her collaboration with Mark Petchey, a trusted ally whose informal role is steering her toward a clay-court resurgence.
Raducanu’s coaching journey has been a whirlwind, with seven coaches in four years drawing scrutiny since her Grand Slam breakthrough. Yet, her recent quarter-final run at the Miami Open, where she toppled top-10 player Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova, hints at stability. In Miami, Petchey—former British No. 1 and Andy Murray’s early mentor—joined forces with Raducanu’s confidante Jane O’Donoghue in her box, sparking a revival. Addressing Petchey’s role, Raducanu said, “It’s not formal, just an informal setup that’s clicking. I trust him because we go way back, and it feels good to work with someone I’m at ease with.” Their bond, forged during 2020 training sessions at London’s National Tennis Centre, thrives on flexibility, with Petchey juggling Tennis Channel commentary duties.
This loose arrangement mirrors Raducanu’s evolved outlook. After a grueling 2025 season start, she skipped Rouen and Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers post-Miami for a training-focused break. “Less is more for me now,” she revealed. “I train intensely, but I was overdoing it. Now, I max out on court, then switch off to recharge.” This reset has her primed for clay, a surface she’s rarely tackled recently, as she kicks off her Madrid campaign with renewed vigor.
Petchey’s impact is undeniable. Andy Roddick, ex-world No. 1, lauded their synergy, saying Raducanu “looked top-10 in Miami” with Petchey’s guidance. A full-time role, however, is complicated by Petchey’s broadcasting commitments, though Wimbledon—where he’s free—could see their partnership deepen on Raducanu’s beloved grass. For now, their fluid dynamic suits her quest for balance.
Facing Lamens in Madrid, with a potential second-round bout against Marta Kostyuk and a blockbuster quarter-final versus world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka looming, Raducanu is honing her craft. The clay swing, including the Italian Open and Roland Garros, offers a ranking boost, with just 10 points to defend. “I’m still learning what sparks my best,” she admitted, embracing her journey’s highs and lows.
With Petchey’s wisdom and her own grit, Raducanu’s Madrid quest is more than a tournament—it’s a bold statement of growth. Poised to disrupt the clay courts, she’s crafting her legacy, one fearless step at a time.