Emma Raducanu has publicly outlined her intention to adopt a more aggressive approach to her tennis game, following her recent separation from coach Francisco Roig. The announcement came as the British tennis star confirmed she is not actively searching for a replacement coach at this time.
Raducanu's Coaching Situation and Strategic Shift
The 23-year-old former US Open champion parted ways with Spanish coach Francisco Roig last month, after a six-month collaboration. Reports indicate that while the pair enjoyed a positive personal relationship, they ultimately diverged on strategic vision for Raducanu's playing style.
In a candid interview with The Guardian, Raducanu explained her current coaching setup: "Right now I wouldn't say I'm actively looking for a coach. I have Alexis in my corner. He knows me as a person. He knows me as a player and I've actually had some success with him in the past year. So it's going well."
Returning to Fundamental Drills and Aggressive Play
Raducanu emphasized her desire to return to core fundamentals through repetitive drills, stating: "I know the drills that I need to be doing... just repetition of doing those key fundamentals. I think I want to go back to that and a more aggressive style of playing."
This strategic shift follows her comments after a second-round loss to Anastasia Potapova at the Australian Open, where she expressed wanting to play "in a way more similar to when I was younger."
Recent Tournament Performance and Health Challenges
Following the coaching change, Raducanu reached her first final since her 2021 US Open victory at a tournament in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. However, her achievement came at a physical cost, as she contracted a virus during the event that has proven difficult to overcome.
The virus significantly impacted her subsequent performances in the Middle East, where she suffered first-round exits in two tournaments and required medical attention on court during both matches. Raducanu described the challenging period: "I had really long effects for the last three weeks. I've been trying to clear them. So the Middle East trip was very difficult for me."
Current Focus and Preparation for Indian Wells
Despite these health setbacks, Raducanu remains optimistic about her recovery and preparation for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which begins on March 4. Currently ranked 25th in the world, she stated: "I'm getting ready for Indian Wells and just trying to get back to full health. And I still have a bit of time, so I'm just looking forward to doing my best to be ready for that."
Commercial Partnership with Uniqlo
Raducanu made these revelations while in Japan, where she was unveiled as a new global brand ambassador for clothing retailer Uniqlo. This prestigious partnership places her among an elite group of athletes including Roger Federer, underscoring her enduring commercial appeal in the sport.
The multi-year deal will involve Raducanu playing an active role in designing her on-court kit, marking a significant transition from her previous sponsorship with Nike. This commercial development highlights her continued marketability despite recent coaching changes and health challenges.
As she prepares for the Indian Wells tournament, Raducanu's combination of strategic clarity regarding her playing style, simplified coaching arrangement with hitting partner Alexis Canter, and recovery from illness will be crucial factors in her pursuit of returning to championship form on the WTA tour.
