In the ever-evolving world of professional tennis, Emma Raducanu continues to make headlines, not just for her on-court performances but for her calculated off-court decisions. The 22-year-old British tennis sensation, who captured the world’s attention with her fairy-tale US Open victory in 2021, has recently made a bold move by appointing Francisco Roig as her new coach. This decision has garnered significant praise from former British No. 1 Annabel Croft, who believes Raducanu has made one of the most astute appointments of her career as she prepares for the Cincinnati Open.
Croft, a respected tennis commentator and former professional player, expressed her enthusiasm for Raducanu’s choice, highlighting Roig’s extensive experience and technical expertise. “I think he’s a very good appointment, one of the best appointments,” Croft remarked. She emphasized Roig’s impressive track record, particularly his long tenure working with tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Croft noted, “Anyone who has had that much experience with Rafael Nadal, it’s incredible. I’ve always admired him. I always thought somebody like him might be perfect for her.” This endorsement underscores the belief that Roig’s disciplined and detailed approach could be the key to unlocking Raducanu’s full potential.
Raducanu’s decision to team up with Roig comes at a pivotal moment in her career. Currently ranked 39th in the world, the young Briton has shown flashes of brilliance in 2025, matching her career-high of 23 match wins in a single season. Her journey has been anything but smooth, however, with injuries and inconsistent performances posing challenges since her historic Grand Slam triumph. Despite these setbacks, Croft remains optimistic about Raducanu’s trajectory, describing her as a player with “everything.” She elaborated, “You look at her and think, ‘what a talent, you’ve got everything’. Moves beautifully, she’s got choices, has variety, creativity. I think she’s a beautiful tennis player.” Croft’s admiration highlights Raducanu’s unique blend of athleticism, technical skill, and creative shot-making, which continue to captivate fans and analysts alike.
The partnership with Roig is seen as a strategic move to build on Raducanu’s recent progress. Croft pointed out that Roig’s coaching style aligns well with Raducanu’s needs, particularly her appreciation for technical guidance. “He’s very disciplined and detailed,” Croft said. “I think if she likes technical advice, which I think she does, I remember watching him many times with Rafael Nadal discussing the swing path; he’s clearly very technically minded, but all Spanish coaches are so good tactically as well.” This combination of technical precision and tactical acumen could help Raducanu navigate the complexities of high-level competition, especially as she prepares for challenging tournaments like the Cincinnati Open, where she has received a bye into the second round to face Serbia’s Olga Danilovic.
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a testament to her resilience. After a torrid 2023 that saw her undergo surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, she has steadily climbed the rankings, reaching a high of No. 55 earlier this year. Her performance at Wimbledon, where she advanced to the fourth round before falling to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling Centre Court battle, showcased her ability to compete with the best. However, her recent withdrawal from the Hong Kong Open due to ongoing injury concerns has raised questions about her physical durability. Despite these challenges, Raducanu remains focused on her long-term goals, with the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup finals and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on her radar.
Croft’s confidence in Raducanu’s new coaching partnership is rooted in the belief that Roig can help her build consistency and momentum. “It’s all about getting the matches and the momentum going and building up the bank, as I call it,” Croft explained. “This year she’s definitely built up a bigger bank of matches, and match wins, and that counts for something.” This sentiment reflects Raducanu’s progress in 2025, as she has already surpassed her previous benchmarks for match wins, setting the stage for a potential breakthrough.
As Raducanu prepares to take on Danilovic in Cincinnati, the tennis world is watching closely. A victory could set up a rematch with Sabalenka, who defeated her at Wimbledon, or pit her against other top players like Iga Swiatek or Coco Gauff. While a WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati would be a dream outcome, Raducanu’s immediate focus is on finishing her US Open preparations on a high note and establishing a strong foundation with Roig. With Croft’s ringing endorsement and Raducanu’s undeniable talent, this new chapter in her career promises to be an exciting one, filled with potential for growth and success.
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