As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 Cincinnati Open, British No. 1 Emma Raducanu is embarking on a pivotal new chapter in her career, teaming up with esteemed coach Francisco Roig, a key figure in Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam triumphs. The 22-year-old, who skyrocketed to fame with her 2021 US Open victory, is riding a wave of renewed confidence after a solid season that saw her climb to No. 33 in the world rankings. With Roig’s technical expertise now in her corner, Raducanu is laser-focused on elevating her game to compete with the sport’s elite, a goal she articulated with optimism: “I hope he can help me beat the top players.” As she prepares for her first official tournament with Roig, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation for what this partnership could unlock.
Raducanu’s decision to bring Roig on board until the end of 2025 follows a successful trial period after her third-round exit at Wimbledon, where she fell to top seed Aryna Sabalenka. “First impressions are it’s going really well,” Raducanu said, reflecting on their initial sessions. The Spaniard, who parted ways with Nadal in 2022 after 18 years, is renowned for his keen eye for technical detail, a trait praised by former Spanish No. 2 Feliciano López, who called him “the best coach in the world” for spotting flaws others miss. Raducanu, known for her quick learning and studious approach, sees Roig’s “bank of experience” as a vital asset. “I’m just so excited to have him on board, so much experience,” she told reporters, her enthusiasm palpable as they began intensive training in Cincinnati.
The Briton’s 2025 season has been a story of resurgence. After a challenging period marked by injuries and seven coaching changes since her US Open triumph, Raducanu found stability with part-time coach Mark Petchey since March. Under his guidance, she reached the quarterfinals at the Miami Open and Queen’s Club, secured her first top-10 win against Jessica Pegula at Eastbourne, and advanced to Wimbledon’s fourth round, where she notched a second top-10 victory over Maria Sakkari. However, Petchey’s broadcasting commitments made a full-time role unfeasible. “I have some other commitments I can’t get out of,” he admitted, paving the way for Roig’s arrival. Raducanu, who values familiarity, will keep Petchey in an informal advisory role, but Roig’s full-time presence offers the stability she craves.
Raducanu’s game, characterized by creativity and clutch play, has a clear ceiling against top-tier opponents. “I think I can definitely improve on a lot of my shots, just the quality of them,” she said, pinpointing her groundstrokes and second serve as areas needing refinement. Against powerhouses like Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, who defeated her 6-1, 6-2 at the Italian Open, Raducanu has struggled, holding a 0-6 record against top-10 players since working with Petchey. Roig’s track record with Nadal, whom he helped optimize movements to conserve energy despite injuries, suggests he can address these gaps. “We made sure all his movements gradually resulted in less energy being expended,” Roig once explained, a philosophy that could enhance Raducanu’s rally tolerance and shot weight on hard courts.
The Cincinnati Open, where Raducanu is seeded No. 30, marks a critical juncture. With a first-round bye, she faces either compatriot Katie Boulter or Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in the second round, with a potential clash against Sabalenka looming. Her recent form—20 wins in 24 matches against non-top-10 players—signals consistency, but a deep run in Ohio could secure a US Open seeding, a goal she’s chasing after slipping to No. 38 following a 6-2, 6-1 loss to Amanda Anisimova in Montreal. Off the court, Raducanu’s adjustment to Roig has been lightened by moments of levity, like navigating Cincinnati’s sprawling roads in a Cadillac Escalade. “I was like, ‘This is like a bus,’” she laughed, recounting her drive from the airport before handing the keys to Roig.
As the US Open approaches, Raducanu’s partnership with Roig represents a calculated step toward reclaiming her place among tennis’s elite. With her health restored and a coach whose expertise shaped one of the greatest careers in tennis history, Raducanu is poised to break through her ceiling. “I’m very excited to continue working with him and to have him on my side,” she said, her sights set on Flushing Meadows, where she made history four years ago. The tennis world watches eagerly to see if Roig’s technical mastery can unlock Raducanu’s potential against the sport’s titans.
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