Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is charting a fresh course in her tennis career with the guidance of Francisco Roig, a seasoned coach who spent nearly two decades shaping Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam triumphs. Following a positive debut at the 2025 US Open, where the 22-year-old British No. 1 reached the third round, Raducanu has confirmed her commitment to working with Roig through the end of the year. Her journey with the Spaniard, marked by technical improvements and renewed confidence, signals a potential turning point for a player seeking to reclaim her place among the elite.
Raducanu’s US Open campaign was a testament to her growing synergy with Roig. After a commanding 6-1, 6-2 first-round victory over qualifier Ena Shibahara—her fastest professional win at 62 minutes—she advanced past Janice Tjen to reach the third round, her best Flushing Meadows showing since her historic 2021 title. Though she fell 6-1, 6-2 to No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina, Raducanu’s performance showcased her improved form. “Right now we’re working through to the end of the year, and I’m looking forward to just getting back to work really,” she said, reflecting on her partnership with Roig. “It’s only been three weeks, but I think it’s been a pretty successful three weeks in the sense of we’ve made good improvement, and I think there are certain parts of my game which have gotten better for sure.”
Roig, who joined Raducanu’s team after a trial period following Wimbledon, brings a wealth of experience from his 17 years with Nadal. Known for his technical acumen and calm demeanor, he has already made a mark. Raducanu, who has cycled through eight coaches since 2021, appreciates his straightforward approach. “It’s always nice if someone has been around for such a long time, especially with someone like Rafa,” she said. “You can tell, when we’re at these big events, at these big matches or tournaments with a lot of people, there is a big element of calm assurance in the matches. There is no stress or panic, which definitely rubs off on me.” This stability has been crucial for Raducanu, who struggled with injuries and coaching changes after her breakout year.
The partnership’s early promise was evident before the US Open. At the Cincinnati Open, Raducanu pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to a three-hour, nine-minute thriller, falling in a final-set tiebreak. Her resilience and tactical growth under Roig’s guidance were clear, as was her ability to compete against top players. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has urged Raducanu to stick with Roig, emphasizing the need for time to assess their fit. “You need to give it some time—you can’t after a month judge whether somebody’s a good fit or not,” Navratilova said, praising Roig’s credentials. “He’s been there for so many years with top players, with Nadal, and he certainly has the experience.”
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been her most consistent yet, with 25 match wins—the most in a single year of her career. After missing much of 2023 due to wrist and ankle surgeries, she has climbed to world No. 35, a testament to her resilience. Roig’s focus on technical precision, particularly on her forehand and serve, aligns with Raducanu’s goal to elevate her shot quality. “I can definitely improve on the quality of a lot of my shots,” she admitted. “I’ve been good at being creative, scrapping, playing the big points well, but the overall quality of my game needs to be better.” Roig’s drills, described as “practical” and “specific” by former player Feliciano Lopez, have helped her address these areas without relying on video analysis.
The collaboration also benefits from Roig’s ability to foster a relaxed environment. Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle and former coach, praised Roig’s character: “Francis is a very good person, he is a man who you can be relaxed with and he is funny.” This dynamic has resonated with Raducanu, who looked at ease during a mixed doubles practice with Carlos Alcaraz at Flushing Meadows. Despite challenges like hearing Roig’s instructions amid the US Open’s raucous crowds—“I really don’t hear much at all,” she confessed—Raducanu relies on his calming presence to stay focused.
As Raducanu looks to the rest of 2025, her partnership with Roig offers stability and potential. With few ranking points to defend, she has a chance to climb higher and secure a seeding for the 2026 Australian Open. Navratilova’s advice rings true: “There’s no substitute for match play no matter how much you practice.” Each match under Roig’s guidance is a step toward refining her game and rebuilding her confidence. For Raducanu, the US Open was a milestone, not a destination, and with Roig by her side, she’s poised to write the next chapter of her remarkable story.
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