Emma Raducanu picks Mark Petchey as Wimbledon coach, ending Murray hopes

Revealed: Emma Raducanu Picks Mark Petchey as Coach for Wimbledon, Shutting Down Andy Murray Hopes

Emma Raducanu is reportedly set to continue working with Mark Petchey for the upcoming grass-court season, including Wimbledon 2025, marking a major shift in the coaching landscape and putting an abrupt end to any short-term hopes of a professional partnership with Andy Murray.

Raducanu and Petchey’s rekindled collaboration has already shown signs of promise, with the British No.1 securing eight wins in her last 11 matches since reuniting with the 54-year-old broadcaster and coach earlier this spring.

Petchey extends Raducanu revival

Petchey—who briefly coached Raducanu during the summer of 2020—is expected to accompany her through the grass-court season, leveraging their early success and his deep understanding of British tennis. The decision comes after Raducanu’s run to the quarter-finals at the Miami Open, one of her strongest performances in recent years.

Though currently employed by the Tennis Channel, Petchey’s broadcast obligations are not expected to conflict with Wimbledon coverage, freeing him to serve in a full-time coaching role for at least the duration of the summer.

Petchey is notably Raducanu’s eighth coach in four years, a testament to her historically volatile coaching carousel. However, his relaxed, player-centric approach—complete with engaging warm-ups like spikeball and football—appears to have resonated with the 22-year-old.

Blow to Murray’s coaching ambitions

The news presents an unexpected setback for Andy Murray, who had previously expressed a desire to coach Raducanu, naming her in 2022 as one of his dream players to mentor. Just days earlier, Murray had ended a six-month coaching stint with Novak Djokovic, leading to speculation about his next move.

In a statement following the end of his tenure with Djokovic, Murray said:

“Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together, and thanks to his team for all their hard work. I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.”

Djokovic echoed the sentiment, thanking Murray for his contributions and acknowledging the deepening of their friendship.

What’s next for Raducanu?

With Petchey in her corner, Raducanu heads into the Wimbledon swing with momentum and confidence on her preferred surface. The Brit has historically shown promise on grass, and this latest development suggests a renewed focus on consistency, both in her tennis and in her team.

Still, Petchey’s television commitments could limit the long-term viability of a full-time coaching arrangement. Whether this partnership extends beyond the summer remains unclear.

Uncertain future for Murray

As for Murray, he now finds himself seeking a new coaching challenge with just weeks to go until Wimbledon, the site of his most memorable career triumphs—and where he had hoped to make a return as part of Raducanu’s team.

Raducanu, for her part, famously ended Murray’s own SW19 farewell last year by withdrawing from their anticipated mixed doubles pairing at the last moment, citing injury concerns.

With Wimbledon fast approaching, all eyes will be on Raducanu’s performance and whether Petchey can help her realise a deep run on home soil.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for the latest on Wimbledon preparations, player coaching moves, and all major updates from the tennis world.