Emma Raducanu convincingly defeated Swiss lucky loser Jil Teichmann on Friday to reach the third round of the 2025 Italian Open. Following her dominant triumph, the Brit spoke at length about her and Mark Petchey’s coaching relationship.
Raducanu has been without a full-time coach since splitting with Nick Cavaday in January. Prior to bringing Tennis Channel commentator Mark Petchey on board, the Brit also underwent a two-week training trial with Vladimir Platenik.
Raducanu Details Her Partnership With Mark Petchey
Although not officially listed as Raducanu’s coach, the English commentator and former ATP pro has been serving in an informal capacity since her quarterfinal run in Miami and also trained her before the start of her clay-court swing in Madrid.
Raducanu, who suffered a second-round exit in the Spanish capital last month, is looking to turn the tide in Rome and reached the third round of the tournament, thanks to her 6-2, 6-2 win over Teichmann.
The World No. 49 spoke to Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj after her victory, who asked her about her working relationship with Petchey. Raducanu replied that the 54-year-old was a great commentator and is someone she likes listening to.
“I am not biased, but I love hearing him commentate. I think he is a great commentator, and I think he is someone I actually want to listen to, because sometimes I watch tennis and I have to mute it (Laughs),” she said.
The 22-year-old praised Petchey for his support both on and off the court and expressed satisfaction with their partnership.
“Whereas with him, I love hearing what he has to say, he is very interesting. He has obviously helped me a lot with everything, with the tennis, with the off-court. So yeah, we did some really good work in LA. You know, while he was with TC, and yeah, I am really happy with how it’s kind of going,” she added.
Raducanu Keen on Finding a ‘Solution’ Amid Temporary Partnership With Petchey
Due to his broadcasting commitments, Petchey has been unable to dedicate himself fully to Raducanu’s team in recent weeks. Additionally, Jane O’Donoghue, former LTA national women’s coach, is accompanying Petchey at this week’s Italian Open but is only on sabbatical from her finance job.
About that, Raducanu told the BBC earlier this month, that though she felt their collaboration was proving effective, it is important to find a permanent coaching team soon.
“It’s been working pretty well. Mark is doing his commentary work, and around that, he is going to help me as much as he can, and hopefully, the times align that he can be there with me in the matches,” she said.
“That’s why Jane is here for when he’s not able to make it to the session. While she’s not working, it’s nice to have her as much as possible, but she will go back to work, and then I need to figure another solution out,” she added.
Next up for Raducanu is Veronika Kudermetova, who surprisingly defeated the fifteenth seed, Amanda Anisimova, 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the second round. Whoever wins in the third round will face either Coco Gauff or Magda Linette next.