British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has confirmed her separation from coach Francis Roig, marking another significant change in her coaching team as she embarks on the search for her tenth professional mentor.
Raducanu Announces Coaching Split
The 2021 US Open champion made the announcement on Thursday afternoon, revealing her decision to part ways with Spaniard Francis Roig, who had joined her team last summer. Roig, previously known for his work with Rafael Nadal, becomes the latest in a series of coaches to depart Raducanu's camp.
Australian Open Performance Influences Decision
The writing appeared to be on the wall following Raducanu's second-round exit at the Australian Open last week, where she fell to world number 55 Anastasia Potapova. This early departure from the tournament prompted reflection about her playing style and coaching needs.
Raducanu explained her reasoning, stating: "I want to be playing a different way. I need to work on playing in a way more similar to how I was playing when I was younger."
A Pattern of Coaching Changes
Since her remarkable US Open victory with Andrew Richardson as coach, Raducanu's career has been marked by:
- Multiple injury setbacks
- Inconsistent form on the tour
- Frequent coaching changes
Her coaching history now includes nine different professionals since turning pro:
- Nigel Sears (first Wimbledon appearance)
- Andrew Richardson (US Open victory)
- Torben Beltz
- Dmitry Tursunov
- Sebastian Sachs
- Nick Cavaday
- Vlademir Platenik
- Mark Petchey
- Francis Roig (most recent departure)
Social Media Acknowledgement
Raducanu took to her Instagram stories on Thursday to share a photograph of herself and Roig smiling together on a golf course tee box, offering a positive public acknowledgement of their working relationship despite the professional separation.
What Comes Next for Raducanu?
The British number one is scheduled to compete next at the WTA 250 event in Cluj, Romania, beginning on February 1st. This tournament will mark her first competitive appearance since the coaching change, providing an early indication of how she adapts without Roig's guidance.
As Raducanu continues her search for a tenth coach to guide her through the next phase of her career, the tennis world watches with interest to see who will take on the challenge of working with Britain's most promising tennis talent. Her ability to find coaching stability will be crucial as she seeks to recapture the form that brought her Grand Slam success in 2021.
