Emma Raducanu’s relentless pursuit of stability and success on the tennis court has led her to yet another coaching change, with Francisco Roig, a long-time member of Rafael Nadal’s team, stepping in as her new mentor ahead of the 2025 US Open. This move marks the eighth coaching shift for the 22-year-old British star since her historic 2021 US Open triumph, leaving fans and analysts curious about the future of her recent coach, Mark Petchey. The former British No. 1, who guided Raducanu to some of her best performances in 2025, will not be leaving her camp entirely but will transition into an advisory role, balancing his commitments as a Tennis Channel commentator while remaining a trusted confidante. This development highlights both Raducanu’s quest for consistency and Petchey’s enduring influence, even as he steps back from day-to-day coaching.
Petchey, a familiar face in Raducanu’s journey, rejoined her team on an informal basis at the Miami Open in March 2025, stepping in after a brief and unsuccessful trial with Slovak coach Vladimir Platenik. His presence proved transformative, with Raducanu reaching her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Miami, defeating players like Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka before falling to Maria Sakkari. “This week I have some really good people around me who I trust and who I have fun with off the court as well, and that is extremely important,” Raducanu said in Miami, crediting Petchey and childhood mentor Jane O’Donoghue for creating a positive environment. The trio’s chemistry carried Raducanu through a 10-day training block in Los Angeles, followed by strong showings on clay in Madrid and Rome, and a thrilling Wimbledon third-round clash against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, where she pushed the top seed to a 7-6(8), 6-4 defeat. “It was a great tennis match,” Petchey remarked, noting the positive feedback from the tennis community as a sign of Raducanu’s potential.
Despite these successes, Petchey’s dual role as a coach and broadcaster created scheduling challenges. His commitments to Tennis Channel, including coverage of the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, often left Raducanu without his on-site guidance, such as during her first-round French Open win over Wang Xinyu, where his daughter Myah stepped in as a stand-in. “I think being a lot more self-sufficient is something Mark has helped me with the last few weeks,” Raducanu said after that match, highlighting how Petchey’s coaching empowered her to problem-solve independently. Recognizing the limitations of this arrangement, Petchey was candid about its temporary nature. “I think at the moment we are a bit more short-term,” he told the Nothing Ventured podcast in July. “Our situation is a little fluid at the moment. I am going to help her this week as much as I can. I have some other commitments I can’t get out of. We are very aware she needs a second coach to come on board and maybe just one coach, not me, as well.”
The arrival of Francisco Roig, who served as Nadal’s assistant coach from 2005 to 2022 and recently worked with Matteo Berrettini, fulfills that need for a full-time coach. Roig’s technical expertise and experience with one of tennis’s greatest champions make him a significant addition to Raducanu’s team as she prepares for the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, where she hopes to recapture the magic of her 2021 title. Their partnership, set to run at least through the end of 2025, began with discussions at Wimbledon and a trial period, signaling a strategic move to bolster Raducanu’s hard-court game. Her recent performances—a semifinal in Washington and a competitive Canadian Open loss to Amanda Anisimova—suggest she’s on the cusp of a rankings climb, currently sitting at No. 34 with a 23-16 record this season.
Petchey’s new role as an advisor keeps him in Raducanu’s orbit, leveraging the trust they’ve built since their first collaboration in 2020 at the National Tennis Centre. “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time and I do feel like I can trust him,” Raducanu said in April, emphasizing the importance of familiar faces. Petchey, who previously coached Andy Murray to his first ATP title in 2006, brings a wealth of experience and tactical insight, which he’ll continue to offer off-court. His discussions with top coaches like Darren Cahill at Wimbledon show his commitment to Raducanu’s growth, even as he returns to the commentary box. “All I am trying to do is facilitate the best possible environment for Emma to produce the tennis she can,” he said, underscoring his selfless approach.
As Raducanu embarks on this new chapter with Roig, Petchey’s shift to an advisory role ensures she retains his wisdom without the logistical constraints of his broadcasting schedule. For a player who once admitted to challenging coaches with relentless questions—“I keep provoking and asking questions to coaches and challenging their thinking,” she told BBC Radio 4 in 2023—this blend of Roig’s full-time presence and Petchey’s advisory input could provide the stability she’s long sought. With the US Open looming, Raducanu’s team is poised to help her navigate the pressures of Flushing Meadows, where her 2021 triumph remains a defining moment. Petchey, watching from the sidelines, will no doubt be cheering for the young star he’s helped guide back toward greatness.
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