Emma Raducanu has expressed optimism about her new coaching partnership with Francisco Roig, hoping it will help her compete against the world's top players. The British No. 1, currently ranked 33rd, spoke positively about her first impressions of Roig, who previously worked with Rafael Nadal for 18 years.
Raducanu, 22, has enjoyed a consistent run of form in recent months, moving up the rankings and playing with confidence. She has been working on an ad-hoc basis with Mark Petchey since March, but Petchey could not commit full-time. Roig, who also briefly coached Matteo Berrettini, has signed a contract until the end of the year.
Raducanu believes Roig's experience can help her improve the quality of her shots, particularly against top opponents. 'I think I've been good at being creative, scrapping, playing the big points well, but I think the overall quality of my game needs to be better,' she said. 'I'm hoping he can help me with that.'
The pair have already begun intense training sessions in Cincinnati, where Raducanu has a first-round bye and will play her opening match on Saturday. A strong performance could see her seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time since her US Open victory in 2021.
Off the court, Raducanu has also entrusted Roig with driving duties after struggling with a large hire car. 'So far so good,' she said of his driving, 'It's been tested in the dark, in the rain, in the sun.'
