LONDON — Emma Raducanu’s latest coaching appointment has drawn attention from across the tennis world, including from Coco Gauff’s former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, who shared his thoughts on the British star’s decision to work with Francis Roig. Raducanu, who has been searching for stability in her coaching setup since her historic 2021 US Open win, appears optimistic about the partnership, posting a beaming photo with Roig on social media.
Mouratoglou, who previously coached Serena Williams and worked with Gauff, weighed in on the appointment, calling Roig a "solid choice" given his extensive experience. Roig, a longtime collaborator with Rafael Nadal, is known for his tactical expertise and ability to develop players’ clay-court games—a surface where Raducanu has struggled in the past.
Why Raducanu Chose Roig
Raducanu’s coaching carousel has been well-documented, with the 21-year-old cycling through multiple mentors since her breakthrough Grand Slam victory. Roig, however, brings a unique pedigree, having spent over 18 years working alongside Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal. His insights into high-pressure situations and mastery of clay-court play could be pivotal for Raducanu as she aims to improve her consistency.
In a recent interview, Raducanu explained her decision: "Francis has a wealth of knowledge, and I’m excited to learn from someone who’s been part of one of the most successful partnerships in tennis history. I think his approach will complement my game well."
Key Strengths Roig Brings to Raducanu’s Team
Roig’s appointment signals a strategic shift for Raducanu, particularly on clay. Here’s what he brings to the table:
- Clay-court expertise: Roig’s work with Nadal makes him an ideal mentor for Raducanu’s weakest surface.
- Mental toughness: His experience in Grand Slam environments could help Raducanu handle pressure better.
- Technical adjustments: Known for refining players’ footwork and shot selection.
Mouratoglou’s Take on the Partnership
Mouratoglou, who has closely observed Raducanu’s career, praised the move but cautioned that success will depend on longevity. "Francis is a great coach, but Emma needs time to adapt to his methods. If she commits, this could be a turning point," he said.
He also highlighted Raducanu’s tendency to change coaches frequently, noting, "Stability is key in tennis. The best players—Serena, Rafa, Roger—all had long-term coaches. Emma needs to find that trust."
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Raducanu’s immediate focus will be the upcoming clay-court season, including the French Open, where she has yet to advance past the second round. With Roig’s guidance, she hopes to make a deeper run and build momentum ahead of Wimbledon.
The British star’s fans are cautiously optimistic. Social media reactions have been mixed, with some applauding the appointment while others question whether another coaching change will yield different results. One fan tweeted, "Roig knows how to win on clay. If Emma listens, she could surprise us all."
Conclusion: A Fresh Start?
Raducanu’s partnership with Roig represents another chapter in her quest for consistency. While Mouratoglou and other analysts see potential, the real test will be whether the duo can stick together long enough to produce results. For now, Raducanu is smiling—and that’s a start.
As the tennis world watches, one thing is clear: Raducanu’s journey remains one of the sport’s most compelling narratives. Whether this latest appointment leads to success or another short-lived experiment depends largely on her ability to embrace Roig’s mentorship—and stay the course.