Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has made another bold move in her quest for consistency by hiring Francisco Roig, the former long-time coach of tennis legend Rafael Nadal. This marks the eighth coaching change in Raducanu's young but already storied career.
The 21-year-old British star has struggled to replicate her Grand Slam-winning form since her historic Flushing Meadows triumph, cycling through multiple coaches in search of the right fit. Roig, who spent 18 years working with Nadal, brings a wealth of experience to Raducanu's team.
A Proven Mentor for a Rising Star
Roig's appointment signals Raducanu's determination to refine her game under the guidance of someone who helped shape one of tennis' greatest champions. The Spanish coach was instrumental in developing Nadal's clay-court dominance and tactical versatility.
'Francisco understands what it takes to win at the highest level,' said a source close to Raducanu's camp. 'His experience with Rafa's career longevity is exactly what Emma needs right now.'
The Coaching Carousel Continues
Raducanu's coaching history reads like a who's who of tennis mentors:
- Andrew Richardson (US Open 2021)
- Torben Beltz (2022)
- Dmitry Tursunov (2022)
- Sebastian Sachs (2023)
This revolving door of coaches has raised eyebrows in the tennis world, but insiders suggest Roig's appointment might finally provide the stability Raducanu needs.
What This Means for Raducanu's Game
Analysts predict Roig will focus on:
- Strengthening Raducanu's baseline game
- Improving her tactical decision-making
- Developing greater consistency in her performances
The partnership comes at a crucial time as Raducanu aims to climb back up the WTA rankings after injury setbacks in 2023.
