Emma Raducanu Secures New Coach
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has secured the services of Francis Roig, a veteran coach with extensive experience as part of Rafael Nadal’s team, who will guide her until the end of 2025. Roig, who was an integral part of Nadal’s coaching staff from 2005 until 2022, will officially commence his collaboration with Raducanu at the Cincinnati Open, scheduled to start on August 7.
Background of the Coaching Partnership
The journey towards this new coaching partnership began during the Wimbledon tournament, where discussions with Roig were initiated after Raducanu’s exit in the third round at the hands of current world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. Since Nick Cavaday departed as her coach in January, Raducanu, currently ranked 33rd in the world, has not had a permanent coaching figure.
Although she has collaborated informally with Mark Petchey, a former coach of Andy Murray, the two have struggled to establish a full-time coaching relationship due to Petchey’s ongoing broadcasting commitments.
Anticipated Impact of Roig’s Coaching
Raducanu’s performance has notably improved during her time working with Petchey, which included a run to the quarterfinals at Queen’s Club and a semifinal appearance at the Citi Open in Washington D.C.. Roig’s experience is expected to enhance Raducanu’s game as he has a remarkable track record, having contributed to all 22 of Nadal’s Grand Slam victories alongside other key members of Nadal’s coaching circle, including his uncle Toni, Marc Lopez, and Carlos Moya.
After leaving Nadal’s team in 2022, Roig briefly coached Matteo Berrettini from 2023 to 2024. Ahead of the Cincinnati Open, it is expected that Raducanu and Roig will hold a practice session on August 5, honing their strategies for the high-stakes tournament, which ranks just below Grand Slam events.
