Television executives have indicated they are open to Mark Petchey continuing to coach Emma Raducanu on a part-time basis.
If Raducanu and Petchey decide to extend their coaching relationship beyond the recent weeks, it could lead to them working together at Wimbledon.
Petchey, 54, was part of Raducanu’s team when she was defeated by Jessica Pegula in the Miami Open quarter-finals in three sets.
During the late-night match, Raducanu reported “dizziness,” which she attributed to the humidity and a significant delay to the start of her match. She required medical attention during the game.
Petchey is primarily employed as a commentator and analyst for the Tennis Channel.
His temporary collaboration with Raducanu arose because she sought guidance after unexpectedly ending her trial with Vladimir Platenik from Slovakia.
Sources indicate that Tennis Channel executives are comfortable with Petchey continuing to combine his broadcasting duties with a coaching role.
Previously, Tennis Channel personalities such as Lindsay Davenport and Paul Annacone have successfully balanced coaching top players with their commentary work.
Petchey`s coaching experience includes a ten-month period with an 18-year-old Andy Murray and training sessions with Raducanu during the summer of the 2020 Covid pandemic.
They have a positive relationship, and Petchey was observed engaging in energetic warm-up routines with Raducanu’s team in Florida.
Petchey has not yet publicly commented on the situation but shared an ambiguous message on social media on Thursday.
His post read: “I believe most advice reflects the limitations of the advisor, not your own potential.”
In the second set against Pegula, Raducanu displayed some of her best tennis since her US Open victory in 2021 at the age of 18.
The British player, poised to re-enter the world`s top 50 rankings, was leading 5-2 and had four set points in the eighth game when she requested medical assistance.
Raducanu had her blood pressure checked and was given ice towels to cool down before resuming play, eventually winning the second set in a tie-break.
However, Pegula, 31, demonstrated her high ranking by winning the match 6-4, 6-7, 6-2. Pegula proceeded to the semi-finals against 19-year-old Alexandra Eala.
Raducanu, 22, explained, “I just felt very dizzy and faint.”
“The conditions were very humid, and we had a long wait before the match began.”
“It could be a combination of physical factors, as there were extended rallies in tough conditions.”
“I`m not sure how I recovered in the second set, but I struggled a bit in the third.”
“I am very proud of my fight. I competed well throughout the match.”
“Jessica played exceptionally well from beginning to end, showing her class and level at the end.”
“Despite the loss, I can take positive aspects from this week and look forward. It was encouraging to feel like I was playing well again.”
“That feeling has been absent, as well as the fighting spirit. I rediscovered that competitive spirit this week.”
“It’s refreshing and good to experience that feeling on court.”
Raducanu’s next scheduled appearance is for Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers against Germany and the Netherlands on April 11-12.
Following that, she will focus on the European clay-court season, including the French Open in late May, before transitioning to grass court events.
Regarding her immediate plans, she stated, “I think I need to pause and reassess my current approach.”
“This week was positive, but I need to clarify things and then formulate a plan from there.”
