Emma Raducanu, the British tennis phenom whose 2021 US Open victory turned her into a global sensation, is riding a wave of momentum as she sharpens her game for the 2025 season. Fresh off a promising yet bittersweet third-round exit at the US Open, where she climbed two spots to No. 34 in the WTA rankings, Raducanu has been honing her skills at the prestigious BTT Academy in Barcelona, under the guidance of her new coach, Francisco Roig. The Spaniard, renowned for his 18-year tenure helping Rafael Nadal secure 22 Grand Slam titles, has brought a fresh perspective to Raducanu’s game. But the latest buzz surrounding the 22-year-old isn’t just about her coaching partnership—it’s a surprising offer from former world No. 1 Dinara Safina, who has thrown her hat into the ring to become Raducanu’s practice partner.
Raducanu’s recent training stint at the BTT Academy, co-founded by Roig in 2004, has been nothing short of inspiring. Known for his keen eye for technical precision, Roig has been working tirelessly with Raducanu to elevate her shot quality, a critical focus as she aims to challenge the WTA’s top tier. Her sessions, a mix of intense on-court drills and gym workouts, have showcased her work ethic and professionalism, earning praise from the academy. “Thank you, Emma, for your professionalism and approachability. It has been a true luxury to have you training with us, you are a role model for everyone!” the academy posted, highlighting a video of Raducanu’s fluid groundstrokes and relentless focus. It was in the comments section of this post that Safina, a former top-ranked player and 2009 French Open finalist, made her unexpected offer: “If you need a hitting partner, I’m ready…” The playful yet earnest comment, punctuated with a cheeky emoji, sent ripples through the tennis community, hinting at a potential collaboration that could supercharge Raducanu’s preparation.
Safina’s offer is more than just a casual gesture. The Russian star, who once dominated the WTA with her powerful baseline game, brings a wealth of experience that could prove invaluable for Raducanu. At 39, Safina may have retired from professional play, but her competitive fire and technical prowess remain sharp. Her willingness to step onto the court with Raducanu signals a belief in the young Brit’s potential to reclaim her place among the elite. For Raducanu, who has faced top players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina in 2025, training with a former world No. 1 could provide the edge needed to bridge the gap to the top 10. The prospect of sparring with Safina, whose aggressive style mirrors the modern game’s demands, could help Raducanu refine her ability to handle high-pressure rallies and fine-tune her tactical approach.
This development comes at a pivotal moment for Raducanu. After her US Open loss to Rybakina, she spoke candidly about her journey: “Obviously, really disappointing, really sad to leave here. It’s probably my favourite tournament.” Yet, her reflection was laced with optimism: “But also, in a way, happy because it’s a clean slate. I just have another chance to claw my way back up there.” Her time at the BTT Academy, following a first-round exit at the US Open, has given her crucial time to absorb Roig’s expertise. Known for his “special eyes” that spot technical flaws in a split second, Roig has already made an impact. Raducanu’s recent performances—a third-round showing at Cincinnati, where she pushed Sabalenka to a three-set thriller—demonstrate her growing confidence. Her 26-18 record this season, coupled with wins over qualifiers like Ena Shibahara and Janice Tjen at the US Open, underscores her resilience after years of battling wrist, ankle, and back injuries.
The BTT Academy, nestled in Barcelona’s sun-soaked courts, has become a hub for Raducanu’s reinvention. Roig’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes technical precision and mental composure, aligns perfectly with her goals. “I’m working on the quality of my shots to be better,” Raducanu said earlier this year, acknowledging the need to elevate her game against top players. Her training sessions, often filled with laughter and high energy, reflect a positive dynamic with Roig, who brings a lighthearted yet demanding approach. Safina’s offer to join these sessions could add a new layer of intensity, pushing Raducanu to adapt to a former champion’s pace and power. The academy’s endorsement of Raducanu as a role model speaks to her influence, not just as a player but as a figure inspiring the next generation.
As Raducanu prepares for the Korea Open, where she’s accepted a wildcard to prioritize her development, Safina’s potential involvement could be a game-changer. The Brit’s decision to skip the Billie Jean King Cup finals in favor of WTA events shows her commitment to building momentum. With Roig’s technical guidance and the tantalizing prospect of Safina’s on-court expertise, Raducanu is poised for a defining phase in her career. Her journey, marked by a historic US Open title at 18 and the challenges of fame and injury, is a testament to her tenacity. As she laces up her shoes and steps onto the court, the tennis world watches eagerly, wondering if this star-studded collaboration will propel her back to the summit. For now, Raducanu’s story is one of grit, growth, and a touch of star power, with Safina’s offer lighting the path ahead.
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