Emma Raducanu has offered a positive update on her coaching timeline, expressing optimism for her collaboration with Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former mentor, following their first Grand Slam together at the US Open. The British star indicated satisfaction with the initial progress made under Roig, despite a third-round exit, and looks forward to building on this foundation through the end of 2025 and potentially beyond.
The Roig Partnership: A New Chapter for Raducanu
Raducanu officially appointed Francisco Roig as her full-time coach in August, with the contract set to run until the end of 2025. The partnership commenced during the Cincinnati Open, preceding the US Open, marking a significant step in her search for coaching stability. Roig brings a wealth of experience, having been a key part of Rafael Nadal’s coaching team from 2005 to 2022, contributing to all 22 of Nadal’s Grand Slam victories. He also previously coached Matteo Berrettini.
Prior to Roig’s appointment, Raducanu had been working informally with British coach Mark Petchey. While their collaboration yielded positive results, including a WTA 1000 quarter-final in Miami and a last-16 run at the Italian Open, Petchey’s extensive broadcasting commitments precluded him from taking on a full-time coaching role.
Positive Strides at the US Open Despite Early Exit
Despite her US Open campaign concluding with a third-round defeat to Elena Rybakina, Raducanu viewed the initial three weeks with Roig as “successful” due to noticeable improvements in her game. Speaking after her exit, Raducanu acknowledged that her weaknesses were highlighted but emphasized the positive steps taken. “It’s only been three weeks, but it’s been a pretty successful three weeks in a sense that we’ve made good improvements,” Raducanu stated. “There are certain parts of my game which have gotten better for sure.” She expressed eagerness to continue building on this foundation day by day, highlighting her commitment to becoming a better tennis player.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova also weighed in on the new partnership, suggesting that competitive matches would be the ultimate test of their collaboration. Navratilova noted Roig’s extensive experience with top players like Nadal, indicating his undeniable qualifications for the role.
Beyond the Court: A Holistic Approach
The collaboration with Roig extends beyond technical tennis drills, with Raducanu revealing some surprising lessons. She mentioned learning Spanish, football, golf, and even a backhand slice from her new coach. This holistic approach points to a positive and engaging environment that Raducanu seems to thrive in. She shared that Roig brings “a lot of good energy” and is “constantly joking around,” an atmosphere she feeds off. The goal, according to Raducanu, is also to learn how to consistently beat top players in Grand Slams, seeing Roig as “the missing link” to achieve this.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Expectations
Looking to the remainder of the 2025 season and into 2026, Raducanu has a clear objective: to secure a seeding for the Australian Open. This ambition underscores her intent to climb back up the WTA rankings and establish herself among the sport’s elite. She acknowledges that achieving this will require patience and consistent effort.
The stability offered by a full-time coach with Roig’s pedigree is seen as crucial for Raducanu, who has experienced numerous coaching changes since her historic 2021 US Open triumph. The visible improvements in her second serve, which reached a season-high 73% win rate in one match under Roig, suggest that the technical adjustments are already taking effect. With a committed coach and a focused mindset, Emma Raducanu is poised to continue her development and aim for greater success on the WTA tour.
No Comment! Be the first one.