Mark Petchey has expressed his delight for Emma Raducanu’s new coaching arrangement with Francisco Roig, stated he is “super happy”.

Petchey had a casual working relationship with the British No.1 after they crossed paths at the Miami Open earlier this year, but he clarified that he was never intended to be a permanent fixture in Raducanu’s team.

Raducanu, following a successful post-Wimbledon trial, has now secured the services of Roig, a seasoned tennis coach who stood by Rafael Nadal during all 22 of his Grand Slam victories. Petchey views this collaboration as a “golden opportunity” for the former U.S. Open champion, after she was dumped out of the doubles competition with Carlos Alcaraz.

Petchey had known and worked with Raducanu prior to her historic U.S. Open win in 2021, so when she found herself without a coach earlier this season, they decided to reunite on an informal basis.

What began as a relaxed stint in Miami evolved into a four-month partnership as Petchey, a full-time commentator, rearranged his schedule to accommodate Raducanu. However, both were aware that she would eventually require a head coach.

Discussing their amicable separation, the British tennis coach and pundit told OLBG: “The way we stopped working together was totally amicable. My job at the start with her was going to be just Miami. Then obviously it became longer through to Wimbledon, and then obviously she had three days with Francis Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former coach, after Wimbledon and that went well.

“But he couldn’t start due to other commitments until Cincinnati. So, around the work stuff that I have, we stayed in contact, and I helped her up in Montreal as best I could. But eventually, my commitments were going to be too much to be a lead person for her in that environment.”

The 22-year-old is now collaborating with Roig, who accompanied her at the Cincinnati Open and was also present in Raducanu’s corner for her U.S. Open mixed doubles encounter with Alcaraz. Petchey believed she couldn’t miss the chance to learn from Nadal’s former mentor.

“I think it’s really a great opportunity for her to work with somebody like Francisco who has worked with one of the best players of all time,” he added.

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“To have time alone with Francisco, to work on the stuff is a golden opportunity for her and him to try to take her game to the next level where she’s going to be able to win Grand Slams.

“My only ever goal in coming back was to make sure that I could help her; but when a better opportunity looks like it’s presented itself, which it has, it’s like, ‘Well this is it. Grab it with both hands. Get stuck in.’ I think they’ll be great, I think they’ll be a great partnership. I’m super happy for her and I’m super excited about her potential.”

While Petchey has stepped back from the spotlight, he remains ready to assist. “We never got to the stage where we discussed whether it would be a full-time role,” he explained.

“But she knows where I am. She’s always known where I am. Even since 2021, she’s always known where I am. I’m not planning to change my number!”