Emma Raducanu’s tennis career has been a rollercoaster since her stunning 2021 US Open victory as an 18-year-old qualifier. Now, at 22, the British No. 1 is navigating a new chapter with seasoned coach Francisco Roig, formerly a key figure in Rafael Nadal’s team. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova believes that competitive matches will be the ultimate test of whether this partnership can unlock Raducanu’s full potential. As Raducanu competes at the 2025 US Open, her first Grand Slam under Roig’s guidance, Navratilova’s insights highlight the importance of patience, trust, and matchplay in shaping the young star’s future.
Raducanu’s collaboration with Roig began after a promising trial period following Wimbledon 2025, where she showed flashes of brilliance but fell to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought third-round match. Roig, who spent nearly two decades helping Nadal secure 22 Grand Slam titles, brings a wealth of experience to Raducanu’s camp. His technical expertise and calm demeanor have already made an impact, with Raducanu noting a newfound sense of assurance during high-pressure moments. “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,” she said. “There is no stress or panic, which definitely rubs off on me.”
Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, emphasized the need for Raducanu to give this partnership time to flourish. Speaking to Sky Sports, she advised, “You need to give it some time—you can’t after a month judge whether somebody’s a good fit or not.” She stressed the importance of Raducanu fully committing to Roig’s methods, noting that the coach’s extensive experience with top players like Nadal makes him an ideal mentor. “He’s been there for so many years with top players, with Nadal, and he certainly has the experience,” Navratilova said. “It’s up to the player to see what works for them and make that decision, but matches tell you everything.”
Raducanu’s early results under Roig have been encouraging. At the Cincinnati Open, she pushed Sabalenka to three tight sets, showcasing her growing confidence and tactical acumen. At the US Open, she delivered a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in just 62 minutes, marking her fastest professional win and her first US Open match victory since her 2021 triumph. However, her campaign ended in the third round with a 6-1, 6-2 loss to Elena Rybakina, a formidable opponent whose clean hitting proved too much. Despite the defeat, Navratilova sees promise in Raducanu’s progress, noting her improved fitness and relaxed demeanor. “She looks healthy, she looks fitter and so relaxed,” Navratilova observed. “It’s nice to see that she looks like she believes she can win again.”
The partnership with Roig is a departure from Raducanu’s history of frequent coaching changes, a pattern that has drawn scrutiny since her meteoric rise. Navratilova has urged Raducanu to break this cycle and commit to Roig for the long haul. “There’s no substitute for match play no matter how much you practice,” she said, emphasizing that competitive experience will reveal whether Roig’s strategies are taking root. Raducanu herself acknowledges the value of Roig’s approach, which encourages her to trust her game even when things aren’t perfect. “I think the biggest milestones are I put a lot of trust in what I’m doing with Francisco on the practice court,” she said. “I’m enjoying getting better, and the process of feeling like at the end of the day I’m satisfied I got a little bit better.”
Roig’s influence extends beyond technical adjustments. His experience in high-stakes environments has helped Raducanu manage the pressures of major tournaments. She has spoken about the calming effect of his presence, particularly in chaotic settings like Flushing Meadows, where crowd noise often drowns out on-court communication. “I really don’t hear much at all,” Raducanu admitted, explaining that she relies on lip-reading to catch Roig’s advice during matches. Yet, she values his steady guidance, which allows her to stay focused and maintain control on her side of the court.
As Raducanu looks ahead, her goals are clear: improve her shot quality, build consistency, and climb back toward the top 20 rankings. With few points to defend for the rest of the season, she has an opportunity to gain momentum and aim for a seeding at the 2026 Australian Open. Navratilova’s advice underscores the importance of patience and persistence in this process. “You need to buy into it and trust the process and trust in the coach,” she said, confident that Roig’s expertise can help Raducanu refine her game.
The road ahead won’t be easy. Raducanu’s history of injuries and the physical demands of Roig’s rigorous training regimen pose challenges. Yet, her recent performances suggest she’s on the right track. The US Open may not have ended with another title, but Raducanu’s renewed confidence and Roig’s steady hand signal a promising future. As Navratilova aptly put it, “Matches tell you everything.” For Raducanu, each match under Roig’s guidance is a step toward rediscovering the brilliance that captivated the tennis world four years ago.
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