LONDON — Emma Raducanu has taken another step in her quest for stability on the WTA Tour, appointing Rafael Nadal’s former longtime coach Francisco Roig as a temporary addition to her team. The British star, who has cycled through multiple coaches since her historic 2021 US Open triumph, will work with Roig until the end of the season in a move that signals her determination to refine her game ahead of a critical 2025 campaign.
A Strategic Partnership with Nadal’s Former Mentor
Roig, a seasoned tactician who spent 18 years as part of Nadal’s coaching team, brings a wealth of experience to Raducanu’s corner. The 55-year-old Spaniard played a pivotal role in shaping Nadal’s clay-court dominance, particularly his record 14 French Open titles. His appointment follows Raducanu’s split with Nick Cavaday earlier this year, marking her fifth coaching change since turning professional. "Francisco understands the mental and physical demands of competing at the highest level," Raducanu said in a statement.
The partnership, described as a "short-term trial" by Raducanu’s representatives, will focus on improving her consistency and tactical adaptability. Roig’s expertise in constructing points and managing high-pressure situations aligns with Raducanu’s need to overcome persistent injury setbacks and regain the form that propelled her to Grand Slam glory as a qualifier three years ago.
Why Roig Could Be the Missing Piece
Raducanu’s career has been a rollercoaster since her US Open victory, with injuries and coaching instability derailing her momentum. Roig’s arrival offers a rare constant: a coach renowned for his technical precision and player development. His work with Nadal—particularly on adapting strategies mid-match—could prove invaluable for Raducanu, whose game has occasionally lacked clarity in crucial moments.
Key areas Roig is expected to address:
- Serve placement: Raducanu’s first-serve percentage has fluctuated, leaving her vulnerable in tight matches.
- Clay-court adjustments: Despite her hard-court success, Raducanu has struggled on slower surfaces.
- In-match problem-solving: Roig’s ability to dissect opponents’ weaknesses could sharpen Raducanu’s tactical awareness.
The Nadal Connection: A Proven Blueprint
Roig’s tenure with Nadal provides a template for Raducanu’s development. Nadal, known for his relentless work ethic and adaptability, thrived under Roig’s guidance, particularly in refining his backhand and net play. "Emma has the raw talent; she just needs the right structure," Roig told Spanish outlet Marca earlier this week.
Raducanu’s Long-Term Coaching Conundrum
While Roig’s appointment is temporary, it underscores Raducanu’s search for a lasting coaching solution. Since 2021, she has worked with:
- Andrew Richardson: Guided her to the US Open title but was dismissed shortly after.
- Torben Beltz: A brief stint ending in April 2022 due to "chemistry" issues.
- Dmitry Tursunov: Split in October 2022 amid reported disagreements.
- Sebastian Sachs: Parted ways in May 2023 after six months.
- Nick Cavaday: Reunited in late 2023 but departed after the Australian Open.
Raducanu’s camp has emphasized that Roig’s role is not a permanent fix but a "strategic stopgap" as she evaluates long-term options. "I’m excited to learn from Francisco’s experience," Raducanu said. "This isn’t about rushing into another long-term commitment—it’s about growth."
What’s Next for Raducanu and Roig?
The duo’s first test will likely be the grass-court season, where Raducanu aims to build momentum ahead of Wimbledon. Roig’s expertise in transitioning between surfaces could prove critical, especially given Raducanu’s mixed results on grass. A strong showing could prompt an extension of their collaboration into the US Open series.
Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted the potential upside: "Roig isn’t just a clay-court specialist—he understands how to maximize a player’s strengths. If Emma can absorb even 20% of what he taught Rafa about mental resilience, she’ll be in a much better place."
Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble with High Rewards
Raducanu’s partnership with Roig represents another twist in her young career, but it’s one with substantial upside. His pedigree, combined with her raw talent, could finally provide the stability she needs. As the tennis world watches, one thing is clear: Raducanu remains unafraid to make bold moves in pursuit of greatness. "I’m here to compete, not just participate," she declared last month. With Roig’s guidance, she may yet reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.