Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is entering a pivotal phase of her career with renewed optimism, bolstered by her partnership with esteemed coach Francisco Roig. The 22-year-old British No. 1, currently ranked No. 35 in the world, has confirmed her commitment to working with Roig through the end of the 2025 season, a move that marks a significant step in her quest to reclaim her place among tennis’ elite. Speaking after a challenging 6-1, 6-2 loss to Elena Rybakina in the third round of the 2025 US Open, Raducanu described their collaboration as “pretty successful” despite the short three-week tenure. “Yeah, right now we’re working through to the end of the year. I’m looking forward to just getting back to work really,” she said, highlighting the strides made under Roig’s guidance.
Roig, a 57-year-old Spaniard with an illustrious coaching resume, brings a wealth of experience from his 18-year stint with Rafael Nadal, contributing to all 22 of the tennis legend’s Grand Slam triumphs. His technical expertise and calm demeanor have already left an impression on Raducanu, who values his ability to refine her game. “It’s only been three weeks, but I think it’s been a pretty successful three weeks in a sense that we’ve made good improvements,” she noted, acknowledging that while her weaknesses were exposed against Rybakina, Roig’s influence is already evident. Raducanu’s focus with Roig centers on elevating the quality of her shots, particularly against top-tier opponents. “I think there are certain parts of my game which have gotten better for sure,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to long-term growth over instant miracles.
The partnership began with a trial period after Raducanu’s third-round exit to Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon in July 2025, a match that underscored the need for technical refinement to compete with the WTA’s best. Roig, who previously coached Matteo Berrettini and Sloane Stephens, succeeded Mark Petchey, a British commentator who worked with Raducanu informally since the Miami Open. Petchey’s television commitments prevented a full-time role, but his tenure saw Raducanu reach the quarterfinals at Queen’s Club, the semifinals at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., and a competitive showing against Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open, where she pushed the world No. 1 to a 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 thriller. “I’m happy with the set-up going forward right now – it’s been working well,” Raducanu said of Petchey earlier in the year, appreciating the familiarity and trust they shared since before her 2021 US Open triumph.
Under Roig, Raducanu has embraced a balance of intense practice and a lighter, more relaxed dynamic off the court. “I think we’re working a lot on the court, putting a lot of hours in. He loves spending time on court, as well. But we find a good balance. It’s not all just serious,” she explained, noting their shared moments of laughter, including playing soccer and golf together. This approach aligns with Roig’s reputation as a coach who fosters a positive environment, a trait praised by former players like Feliciano Lopez, who called him “the best coach I worked with by far” for his technical acumen and demanding yet patient style. Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle, also lauded Roig’s ability to enhance control and power, essential for Raducanu as she aims to counter the aggressive play of top ball-strikers.
Raducanu’s recent performances reflect her progress. At the Cincinnati Open, her first tournament with Roig, she defeated Olga Danilovic 6-3, 6-2, showcasing improved serving and defensive depth. Her US Open campaign began with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Ena Shibahara in just 62 minutes, her fastest professional win. “I put a lot of trust in what I’m doing with Francisco on the practice court,” she said, crediting the daily grind for her growing confidence. However, the noise of the Flushing Meadows crowds has posed challenges, with Raducanu admitting she often relies on lip-reading Roig’s advice. “I really don’t hear much at all. It’s really difficult unless you’re at the box and you’re speaking very close,” she shared, emphasizing her focus on maintaining her “zone” during matches.
As Raducanu prepares for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen, China, from September 16 to 21, her partnership with Roig offers a foundation for sustained growth. With a history of cycling through coaches, her decision to commit to Roig until the end of 2025 signals a desire for stability. Martina Navratilova has urged her to “stick with it,” citing Roig’s experience as a perfect fit. Raducanu’s journey, marked by a fairytale US Open win and subsequent injury setbacks, is at a turning point. With Roig’s guidance, she is poised to harness her creativity, athleticism, and resilience to challenge the sport’s best, aiming for a top-32 seeding at the Australian Open and beyond.
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