GB News star ‘obsessed’ with Emma Raducanu as new coach branded ‘next lamb to the slaughter’

Emma Raducanu: GB News star ‘obsessed’ with tennis star as new coach branded ‘next lamb to the slaughter’
GB NEWS
Ben Chapman

By Ben Chapman


Published: 24/04/2025

- 09:08

The 22-year-old earned a straight sets victory in her opening Madrid Open tie

GB News sports reporter Paul Coyte has jokingly admitted to becoming "obsessed" with British tennis star Emma Raducanu.

"I'm beginning to become obsessed with Emma Raducanu", Coyte quipped on the People's Channel. "It's beginning to worry me."


The presenter made the comments whilst discussing Raducanu's recent victory at the Madrid Open.

Coyte also delivered a cheeky jibe about Raducanu's new coach Mark Petchey, describing him as "the latest lamb to the slaughter".

GB News panel and Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu won her opening Madrid Open match

GB NEWS / PA

The sports reporter highlighted the significance of Raducanu's win, noting it was "her first win on outdoor clay since 2022" and clarifying that "indoor clay is a different proposition".

The 22-year-old Raducanu made a strong start at the Madrid Open, earning her first clay win in over a year.

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The British number two defeated Dutch opponent Suzan Lamens 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in a hard-fought contest on the outdoor clay courts.

Raducanu had not won a match in Madrid since 2022, having withdrawn from the tournament in 2023 to undergo surgery.

She also suffered a tough opening-round defeat 12 months ago.

"I know I had to play really well to win and although it wasn't my best, I got stuck in at the right moments," Raducanu said after her victory.

Stephen Dixon and Nana Akua

Stephen Dixon and Nana Akua discussed Raducanu's success

GB NEWS

"I'm proud of how I competed. It is a strength of mine when I can use it."

Raducanu took a "physical and mental" break from competitive action after reaching the Miami Open quarter-finals last month.

Instead of tournament play, she opted for a 10-day training block in Los Angeles.

The world number 49 spent this time working with Mark Petchey, who is coaching her on an informal basis.

Emma RaducanuEmma Raducanu has changed coaches againPA

Petchey, who previously coached Andy Murray, was present in Raducanu's box alongside her long-time ally Jane O'Donoghue during the Madrid match.

He was regularly offering praise and encouragement at crucial moments throughout the contest.

The Madrid Open is a WTA 1000 event - one of the most important tournaments in the build-up to next month's French Open.

During the match, Raducanu demonstrated her improved resilience by recovering from a break down in each set.


Lamens, ranked 73rd in the world, is a combative player who has improved sharply over the past year and appeared comfortable on the clay surface.

The Briton maintained her composure in crucial moments, particularly in the tie-break, extending her impressive tie-break record to 6-1 this year.

There were flashes of brilliance from Raducanu, including a running forehand down the line and another thunderous winner.

Despite briefly losing serve at 4-4 in the second set, she regained control to secure victory.

Raducanu will now face Ukrainian 24th seed Marta Kostyuk in the second round.