Emma Raducanu, Britain’s standout tennis talent, is forging a new path with Francisco Roig, the experienced coach who contributed to Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles. At the 2025 US Open, her first major with Roig, Raducanu displayed sparks of the brilliance that secured her 2021 championship as a teenage qualifier. Though her run ended in the third round, tennis icon Martina Navratilova believes that competitive matches will determine if this partnership can restore Raducanu to the sport’s elite. “Matches reveal everything,” Navratilova stated, highlighting the critical role of on-court experience for the 22-year-old’s growth.
Raducanu’s US Open campaign started strongly. She dominated qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in a swift 62 minutes—her fastest professional win and her first Flushing Meadows victory since 2021. A win over Janice Tjen followed, showcasing her powerful baseline game. However, No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina halted her progress with a 6-1, 6-2 third-round victory. Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, views this as a foundation for growth. “No amount of practice can replace match play,” she said. “It’s about whether you can execute under pressure.”
Roig, who joined Raducanu post-Wimbledon after a trial period, has already made an impact. His 17 years with Nadal bring technical expertise and a composed demeanor that suits Raducanu, who has navigated multiple coaching changes since her 2021 breakout. “At big tournaments, he brings a calm assurance,” Raducanu noted. “There’s no stress or panic, which really helps me.” This stability contrasts with her earlier challenges, including injuries and coaching turnover.
Navratilova, in a Sky Sports interview, encouraged Raducanu to stick with Roig. “You need time to judge if a coach is the right fit,” she advised. “Roig’s experience with Nadal and top players is undeniable.” She stressed that matches will test Roig’s strategies, allowing Raducanu to evaluate what works. “Matches let you see what’s clicking and what needs adjustment,” Navratilova added.
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been her strongest, with 25 match wins and a rise to world No. 35 after 2023 injuries. Her summer included a gripping three-set battle against Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati, highlighting her improved aggression and serve. At the US Open, Roig’s intense practice sessions focused on technical precision and mental toughness. “I trust what we’re doing on the practice court,” Raducanu said. “I’m enjoying the process of getting better every day.”
Roig’s approach also tempers Raducanu’s perfectionism. “I can be hard on myself,” she admitted. “He helps me ease up on that.” His calm presence, despite communication challenges in Flushing Meadows’ noisy atmosphere—“I barely hear him,” she laughed—keeps her grounded. With minimal ranking points to defend in 2025, Raducanu has a chance to climb higher and target a 2026 Australian Open seeding. Navratilova’s counsel rings clear: “The player must decide what works.” As Raducanu and Roig build their partnership, each match is a step toward honing her game and recapturing the fearless spark that defined her rise. The US Open was a milestone, signaling the start of a promising journey back to the top.
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