In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the tennis world, British sensation Emma Raducanu has enlisted Francisco Roig, a seasoned coach who played a pivotal role in Rafael Nadal’s illustrious career, to guide her through the remainder of the 2025 season. The announcement, made just days before the Cincinnati Open, marks a significant shift for the 2021 US Open champion, who has been navigating a challenging path since her historic Grand Slam triumph at the age of 18. Roig, a veteran of the sport with nearly two decades of experience alongside Nadal, brings a wealth of expertise to Raducanu’s camp as she aims to reclaim her place among the WTA elite.
Raducanu’s coaching journey has been a whirlwind since her meteoric rise in 2021. The 22-year-old has worked with a string of mentors, including Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, Nick Cavaday, Vladimir Platenik, and most recently, Mark Petchey. Her partnership with Petchey, which began in March, yielded promising results, including a quarterfinal appearance at the Miami Open, a round-of-16 run at the Italian Open, and a historic quarterfinal at the inaugural women’s tournament at Queen’s Club. However, Petchey’s commitments as a television commentator made a full-time role unfeasible, prompting Raducanu to seek a dedicated coach to propel her forward. After a successful trial period following her third-round exit to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon, Raducanu has secured Roig’s services until the end of 2025.
Francisco Roig, a 57-year-old Barcelona native and former ATP player who peaked at No. 60 in the rankings, is no stranger to the pressures of elite tennis. From 2005 to 2022, he served as a key member of Nadal’s coaching team, working alongside Toni Nadal, Carlos Moya, and Marc Lopez. Roig was present for all 22 of Nadal’s Grand Slam victories, including his record 14 French Open titles, and played an instrumental role in shaping the Spaniard’s game. His technical expertise, particularly in refining Nadal’s volleys and slice backhand, earned him praise as an “excellent swing doctor,” capable of addressing subtle flaws in a player’s technique. Former Spanish pro Feliciano Lopez once described Roig as “technically the best coach in the world,” noting his ability to identify nuances in a player’s movement and strokes that others might overlook.
Raducanu’s decision to bring Roig on board signals a bold departure from her preference for working with familiar figures from her pre-US Open days. Her previous coaching stints, some lasting mere weeks, reflect a cautious approach to building trust with new mentors. Roig, however, brings a pedigree that could prove transformative. Reflecting on their 17-year partnership, Rafael Nadal paid tribute to Roig in 2022, writing, “Francis has been an important person in my career and I am very grateful to him for all these years of work and friendship. When we started working together I was a child… Francis is a great coach who knows tennis very well and has helped me a lot to get better and better. I only have words of gratitude.” Nadal’s heartfelt words underscore the depth of Roig’s impact, offering a glimpse into the expertise Raducanu now has at her disposal.
The timing of this coaching change is critical as Raducanu prepares for the Cincinnati Open, a WTA 1000 event that serves as a key warm-up for the US Open, starting August 24. Currently ranked No. 33 in the world, Raducanu is within striking distance of securing a seeding at Flushing Meadows, where she made history four years ago as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title. Her recent form, including a semifinal run at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., suggests she is rediscovering the fearless tennis that captivated the world in 2021. Roig’s arrival could provide the technical and tactical edge needed to elevate her game, particularly in areas like her serve and forehand, which have shown occasional inconsistencies.
While Roig takes the helm as her full-time coach, Raducanu will maintain a close relationship with Petchey, who will continue to offer guidance in an informal capacity. This blend of new expertise and familiar support could strike the perfect balance for Raducanu, who has spoken openly about the challenges of tour life and the pressure of living up to her early success. As she embarks on this new chapter with Roig, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if this partnership can unlock the full potential of a player once hailed as a generational talent. With the US Open on the horizon, Raducanu’s collaboration with a coach who helped shape one of the sport’s greatest champions could mark the beginning of a thrilling resurgence.
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