The ATP recently unveiled its list of nominees across multiple award categories, with winners set to be announced next month. Among the marquee honors is the Coach of the Year award, which includes the coaches of star players such as Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton in contention.
However, one notable omission, the absence of Kazakh star Alexander Bublik’s coach Artem Suprunov, did not sit well with Emma Raducanu’s former mentor Mark Petchey. The former player-turned-commentator shared a detailed critique, expressing clear dissatisfaction with the governing body for men’s tennis.
Emma Raducanu’s Former Coach Questions ATP for Snubbing Alexander Bublik’s Coach in the List Featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton’s Coaches
A few days ago, the ATP released its list of nominees, with the Coach of the Year category featuring Sinner’s team of Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, Alcaraz’s coaches Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel Lopez, and Shelton’s father and coach Bryan Shelton, among several other contenders.
While many may be satisfied with the list, Petchey was far from convinced. He stressed that Suprunov played a pivotal role in shaping Bublik’s standout season. The 28-year-old captured four ATP titles in Hangzhou, Kitzbühel, Gstaad, and Halle, climbed to a career-high World No. 11, and even came close to qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. Nonetheless, he was the first alternate in the season-ending event.
Petchey argued on X that leaving Suprunov off the ATP’s best coaches list was “wild.” He emphasized that coaching should be judged by overall transformation, not just Grand Slam wins or standout weeks.
“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,” he wrote.
Petchey added that Suprunov deserved recognition because managing Bublik’s unpredictable personality, rising expectations, and the season’s highs and lows was a major accomplishment.
“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,” he added.
Moreover, Bublik has repeatedly acknowledged Suprunov’s influence in elevating his game. The 28-year-old endured a difficult start to the season and even slipped outside the Top 80 by March. Earlier this year, he revealed that Suprunov’s advice to take a spontaneous road trip to Las Vegas after a first-round exit in Indian Wells played a key role in helping him reset and regain his form.
