Emma Raducanu eyes long-term link-up with Andy Murray’s former coach.

Emma Raducanu is reported to be seeking the guidance of Mark Petchey – the locum coach who helped her reach the quarter-finals of the recent Miami Open – on a more extended basis.

From Raducanu’s perspective, Petchey’s appeal has never been in doubt. She is increasingly keen to work with people she knew before she became famous. Petchey, who helped tweak various aspects of her technique in the summer of 2020, is a perfect example.

Not only does Raducanu trust Petchey’s technical eye, but they also have a strong personal bond. During her run in Miami, she spoke repeatedly about how much she was enjoying the company of her team – and particularly the games of spikeball they were using as a warm-up routine before matches.

The problem has always been that Petchey is a highly regarded commentator, mainly working for the American network known as the Tennis Channel. This would seem to restrict his availability for much of the year.

Crucially, though, the Tennis Channel does not have the rights for Wimbledon. Indeed, it seems likely that Petchey would be available for much of the grass-court season.

With grass representing Raducanu’s most reliable surface, an alliance through this key period of the summer could work out as a convenient solution for both parties, without requiring Petchey to burn any bridges in his broadcasting career.