Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis sensation, has made headlines once again, not for her on-court heroics but for a strategic decision that could redefine her career. As she prepares for the 2025 US Open, Raducanu has enlisted Francisco Roig, the seasoned coach who played a pivotal role in Rafael Nadal’s remarkable haul of 22 Grand Slam titles. This move marks a significant shift for the young star, who has navigated a turbulent coaching journey since her historic 2021 US Open triumph as a qualifier. With Roig’s expertise now in her corner, Raducanu is poised to refine her game and reclaim her place among tennis’s elite.
Raducanu’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows since her breakthrough at Flushing Meadows. Her meteoric rise at 18 was followed by challenges, including injuries and a revolving door of coaches. Known for cycling through eight coaches in her short career, Raducanu faced scrutiny for her frequent changes, which included stints with Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, and a brief trial with Vladimir Platenik. However, recent years have shown signs of stability. Since March, she has worked with British coach Mark Petchey on an informal basis, achieving notable results like a WTA semi-final in Washington and quarter-final appearances in Miami and Queen’s. Yet, Petchey’s broadcasting commitments made a long-term partnership untenable, prompting Raducanu to seek a full-time coach to elevate her game further.
Enter Francisco Roig, a 57-year-old Catalan whose technical prowess and keen observational skills have earned him a reputation as one of tennis’s premier coaches. Roig, who joined Nadal’s team in 2005 as a secondary coach alongside Toni Nadal, was instrumental in shaping the Spaniard into an all-time great. His ability to identify and correct technical flaws, particularly in strokes like Nadal’s volleys and slice backhand, has been lauded by peers. “He’s patient but also demanding. He will push you until whatever he thinks needs fixing is fixed,” said Feliciano Lopez, a former Spanish player who worked with Roig for several years. Lopez, echoing a sentiment shared by many, praised Roig’s unmatched technical knowledge, describing him as “the best coach I worked with by far.”
Raducanu’s decision to bring Roig on board reflects her desire to address specific weaknesses in her game. “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 coaching style, characterized by practical and specific drills, aligns perfectly with this goal. Unlike coaches who rely heavily on video analysis, Roig’s strength lies in his ability to observe players in real-time, identifying subtle issues in technique or movement. “His eyes are special,” said Jordi Vilaro, a close friend and co-owner of the BTT Academy in Barcelona with Roig. This observational acumen, honed over nearly two decades with Nadal, could be the key to unlocking Raducanu’s potential.
The partnership began with a trial period after Raducanu’s third-round exit to Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon in 2025. The trial proved promising, leading to Roig’s full-time appointment ahead of the Cincinnati Open, their first official tournament together. Raducanu’s early impressions of Roig were glowing. “It’s just, ‘the level needs to be better,’” she said, appreciating his blunt, factual approach. “I’m very like that. I don’t necessarily like fluffing something up. That’s where we get on really well and we understand each other.” This mutual understanding is crucial, as Raducanu has previously struggled to trust outsiders following her rapid rise to fame. Her decision to work with Roig, a departure from her preference for familiar faces like Petchey and Nick Cavaday, signals a newfound maturity and willingness to embrace change.
Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle and former coach, emphasized the importance of patience in this partnership. “Francis is a very good coach and a man who can help Raducanu to improve technically,” he said. “In today’s game, every player hits the ball very fast. But in the end, tennis is about power and control. This is what Francis explains to players.” Roig’s focus on precision and consistency could address Raducanu’s need for greater control, particularly when facing top-tier opponents who demand sustained accuracy.
As Raducanu approaches the US Open, where she will also compete in mixed doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz, the stakes are high. Currently ranked around the world’s top 35, she is on the cusp of re-entering the top 30 and aims to secure a seeded spot at Flushing Meadows. Her recent performances, including a strong showing at the Citi Open, suggest she is regaining the form that made her a global star. With Roig’s guidance, Raducanu hopes to refine her forehand, serve, and overall shot quality, building on the resilience she has developed since her injury-plagued 2023 season.
This partnership is not without challenges. Roig must earn the trust of a player who has been cautious about letting outsiders into her inner circle. However, his affable personality and proven track record offer hope. “Francis is a very good person, he is a man who you can be relaxed with and he is funny,” Toni Nadal noted, highlighting Roig’s ability to foster a positive working environment. For Raducanu, who has described herself as patient and eager to improve, this collaboration could mark a turning point. As she steps onto the courts of New York, where she first captured the world’s attention, all eyes will be on whether Roig’s technical expertise can help her rediscover her championship form.
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