Emma Raducanu’s latest collaboration with Mark Petchey appears to be another short-term effort designed to steady her game during a transitional period. Ahead of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Petchey revealed that he has stepped in to assist the former US Open champion after she found herself without a clear coaching anchor.
Speaking about their renewed partnership, the British coach and commentator explained that his involvement is flexible and will be evaluated day by day as Raducanu prepares for the prestigious WTA 1000 event.
Inside Emma Raducanu’s Latest Coaching Shift and Mark Petchey’s Return
Raducanu’s coaching situation has been in flux since she parted ways with veteran coach Francisco Roig earlier this season. After that split, the 23-year-old began working with Lawn Tennis Association coach Alexis Canter as a hitting partner while looking to add experienced guidance to her camp.
That search led her back to Petchey, someone who has periodically supported Raducanu throughout her career. Their professional relationship dates back to 2020 when Petchey worked with Raducanu during her early development before her stunning run to the 2021 US Open title.
Because Petchey also works full-time as a Tennis Channel analyst and commentator, their collaboration has often taken the form of short-term stints rather than a permanent coaching arrangement.
Petchey addressed the situation during a recent appearance on Tennis Channel’s “The Big T Podcast”, where he explained why he chose to step in again. “She found herself in a situation once again where she didn’t really have somebody that she could lean into,” Petchey said. “Didn’t like where a game had been heading. The flare went up and I said I’d come to Indian Wells early and help her. And the plan is day by day we’ll figure out where she goes.”
“I don’t know why she took you back” 😂
Watch or listen to The Big T Podcast on Youtube, our App, and all audio platforms 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/VuOsGtSAi7
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 4, 2026
How Did Raducanu Perform During Her Previous Partnership With Petchey?
The arrangement mirrors their past collaborations. The most notable of those came in 2025, when Petchey reunited with Raducanu, beginning at the Miami Open after an unsuccessful trial with Vladimir Platenik. That stretch lasted from March through August and proved productive.
Raducanu reached her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Miami and climbed back into the world’s top 35 before the partnership ended when she hired Roig. At the time, Petchey acknowledged that his media responsibilities prevented him from committing to the demands of a full-time traveling coach.
The latest reunion came together in February 2026 following Raducanu’s second-round exit at the Australian Open and her subsequent decision to split from Roig. Petchey has since been overseeing practice sessions leading into Indian Wells while working alongside Raducanu’s support team, which includes Canter and physiotherapist Emma Stewart.
Raducanu will be making her sixth appearance at the WTA 1000 event. The 25th seed received a bye into the second round, where she will take on Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova. This is going to be their first meeting on the WTA Tour, with the winner meeting either Anna Blinkova or sixth seed Amanda Anisimova in the third round.
The Brit also partnered with Elena-Gabriela Ruse for the doubles event, and the pair will face third seeds Kateřina Siniaková and Taylor Townsend in the first round.
