For many years now, the ATP have handed out their end-of-year awards for a whole host of different categories.
Naturally, there are prizes for the best player, but alternatives like sportsmanship and breakthrough player are lauded as well.
The latter two are far more unpredictable, and therefore capture the attention of fans who can really debate who they feel deserves it.
However, with the final award, coach of the year, it always feels like an underwhelming foregone conclusion.
Mark Petchey has now questioned the selection process surrounding the accolade, pointing out one huge omission from this year’s nominations.
Mark Petchey questions ATP coaching award
The Brit, who spent a large part of 2025 coaching Emma Raducanu, would take to X to voice his opinion on this matter.
He felt that a great coach should be judged across an entire year of progression, rather than merely by a good week or two, or by the most Grand Slams won.
With that in mind, he proposed Artem Suprunov as an outstanding option, who was not even considered on the shortlist for the award.
After a stellar campaign alongside Alexander Bublik, where the 28-year-old won four ATP titles and nearly snuck into the ATP Finals too, credit is due.
Petchey wrote: “Artem Suprunov not being on the @atptour best coaches list is wild. Puttting that puzzle together this year was the work of an artist and a genius.
“Great coaches shouldn’t only be judged by the metric of winning Slams or great individual weeks.
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“To get through the volume a year brings, the ups and downs and pressure suddenly of a change in expectations with an unpredictable character like Alexander Bublik is an incredible achievement.
“Not saying he should have won it, but definitely should be on the list.”
Mark Petchey’s coaching skills should be recognised as well
Whilst Petchey is an unsurprising advocate for other coaches, he deserves some praise himself for his 2025 campaign.
After all, he balanced his broadcasting commitments alongside a partnership with Raducanu, one of the most talked-about players on the WTA Tour.
The British number one was coming off the back of years of injuries and poor form, leading to increased scrutiny, especially after her 2021 US Open title.
However, Petchey took her back to basics and helped start a run of form that shot her back up the rankings.
She finished the year ranked inside the top 30 and will now be seeded for the Australian Open. Raducanu was even told to keep Petchey as her coach after Wimbledon, although the pundit in question did recognise the difficulties behind this.
Again, it’s not award-winning form, but Petchey is a fine coach too.
