Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has made a bold move to elevate her game by enlisting Francisco Roig, a seasoned coach who spent nearly two decades guiding Rafael Nadal to 22 Grand Slam titles, as her full-time coach through the end of the 2025 season. This strategic hire, announced just weeks before the US Open kicks off on August 24, 2025, signals Raducanu’s determination to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite. “We are very aware she needs a second coach to come on board and maybe just one coach, not me, as well,” said her recent part-time coach Mark Petchey, acknowledging the need for a dedicated mentor to steer the 22-year-old’s career forward.
Raducanu’s journey since her fairy-tale triumph at Flushing Meadows has been a rollercoaster of promise and challenges. After cycling through eight coaches in four years, she struggled to find stability until her informal partnership with Petchey began in March 2025. Their collaboration sparked a resurgence, with Raducanu reaching the quarterfinals of the Miami Open, the last 16 at the Italian Open, and the semifinals of the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. She also made a strong showing at Queen’s Club, marking her first WTA quarterfinal on grass. Despite a hard-fought third-round loss to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon, Raducanu’s recent form has her ranked No. 33 and seeded for the US Open, offering a favorable draw to avoid top players early on. However, Petchey’s broadcasting commitments made a full-time role untenable, prompting Raducanu to seek a coach with the pedigree to match her ambitions.
Enter Francisco Roig, a 57-year-old Spaniard whose resume boasts an 18-year tenure with Nadal, from 2005 to 2022, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the “King of Clay” into one of tennis’s all-time greats. Roig, who worked alongside Nadal’s uncle Toni, Carlos Moyá, and Marc López, was praised for his technical acumen and ability to spot subtle flaws in a player’s game. “He sees things that the rest of the coaches don’t see,” said López, noting Roig’s knack for refining Nadal’s forehand and movement with precision. His contributions extended beyond tactics, offering psychological support through Nadal’s injury-plagued peaks and valleys. Roig’s recent stint with Matteo Berrettini from 2023 to 2024 saw the Italian claim three ATP titles, proving his ability to adapt his expertise to different players.
Raducanu’s decision to bring Roig on board followed a successful trial after Wimbledon, with their partnership officially kicking off at the Cincinnati Open, a key WTA 1000 event starting August 7, 2025. “I want to inform you that Francis Roig is leaving my team and starting a new personal project as a coach,” Nadal wrote in 2022, expressing gratitude for Roig’s 17 years of guidance. Now, Raducanu hopes to tap into that wealth of experience as she prepares for a demanding US Open swing, which could include tournaments like the Guadalajara Open, Korea Open, and China Open, depending on her health and schedule. Currently 25th in the live race to the WTA Finals, a strong performance could propel her toward the season-ending championship in Riyadh.
Roig’s appointment is a coup for Raducanu, who has long been recognized for her eagerness to absorb new tactics and refine her stroke-making. His technical expertise, particularly in enhancing volleys and slice backhands, aligns with her need for consistency and resilience in high-stakes matches. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman emphasized the long-term vision, stating, “This is not about the next four weeks for Emma, it’s about the next four years and where she can go.” With Roig’s calm, methodical approach, Raducanu aims to build on her recent momentum, including wins over top players like Naomi Osaka and Maria Sakkari at the Citi Open, despite a recent straight-sets loss to Amanda Anisimova in Montreal.
As the US Open looms, Raducanu’s partnership with Roig has sparked optimism among fans and analysts. Her 2021 title run, achieved as an 18-year-old qualifier, remains a benchmark of her potential, but she hasn’t won a match at Flushing Meadows since. With Roig’s guidance, she’s poised to change that narrative. His experience with Nadal, a player who thrived under pressure, could help Raducanu navigate the intense spotlight of New York. Petchey, who will remain a close confidant, believes in her potential to maximize her game, saying, “It’s about being the best version of yourself and maximising your potential.” As Raducanu steps onto the Cincinnati courts with Roig in her corner, the tennis world is watching to see if this new chapter will mark her return to Grand Slam glory.
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