Emma Raducanu might have enjoyed an upturn in form since teaming up with part-time coach Mark Petchey, but she’s now risked the wrath of his daughter with a cheeky comment. On Monday, the British No.2 won her opening round match at the French Open, the first time she has been fit to play in the tournament since 2022.
The 22-year-old came through a tough clash with Wang Xinyu 7-5 4-6 6-3. Petchey, who is combining coaching and commentary duties in Paris, wasn’t able to attend, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be in the stands when the 2021 US Open champion faces Iga Swiatek on Wednesday. However, there was still a member of the Petchey family present, with his daughter Myah watching Raducanu right until the end.
Raducanu has since voiced her appreciation for her support, although she also jokingly risked upsetting Petchey Jr. She explained: “Of course I would love to have him there on the court but like certain times it just can’t work.
“I knew Myah a little bit before, but got to know her a lot more in the last couple of months. I actually think having her there really helped – because I was like ‘It’s a mini-Mark!’ She’s gonna hate me for saying that! Having her there definitely was like a little symbolic representation of Mark.”
Petchey’s daughter, 23, is a tennis professional in her own right. Five years ago, she was top of the under-18 rankings in South Africa, having moved to Cape Town as a youngster.
Andy Murray’s ex-coach also has an elder daughter, Nicole, with his partner Michelle. Like her sister, the 26-year-old has competed in ITF events.
Raducanu has continued to laud Petchey’s contribution at Roland Garros and insisted she has not been negatively affected by his schedule. Following the win over Wang, she said: “I think being a lot more self-sufficient is something Mark has helped me with the last few weeks.
“Since Miami, I think one thing that is a great sign of a coach is when you don’t necessarily feel like you need them every shot, every point, so he’s really helped me to figure things out for myself.”
