NEW YORK — A renewed sense of purpose and a fresh tactical perspective are emanating from the practice courts at Flushing Meadows, where Emma Raducanu is preparing for her US Open return under the guidance of her new coach, former Rafael Nadal lieutenant Francis Roig. The 2021 champion, who stunned the world by winning here as a qualifier, is embracing a surprising new philosophy as she eyes another deep run.
Raducanu, now 21, has been working with the experienced Spaniard since the grass-court season, and their partnership is already yielding what she describes as transformative lessons. The focus, surprisingly, is not on a complete technical overhaul but on a nuanced shift in mentality and point construction, drawing directly from the Nadal playbook that Roig helped cultivate for over 15 years.
The Roig Influence: More Than Just Topspin
While many anticipated Roig would immediately implement a heavy topspin game reminiscent of his most famous pupil, Raducanu has revealed the lessons are far more cerebral. "It's not about trying to be Rafa, that's impossible," Raducanu stated with a laugh after a practice session. "Francis is incredibly wise. He's not changing my technique; he's changing how I think about the court, about constructing points. It's about patterns, about using what you have in the most intelligent way."
This strategic depth is what Raducanu believes was missing during her search for a consistent coaching voice. Roig’s emphasis is on building a resilient, adaptable game plan rather than relying solely on power or aggression. She detailed one key takeaway:
"He talks a lot about 'winning the point before the winner.' It sounds simple, but it's profound. It's about the shot that forces a weak reply, about controlling the center of the court, about understanding that not every ball has to be hit at 100%. It's problem-solving."
Building a Foundation for the Long Haul
The partnership signals a clear intent from Raducanu to build a stable foundation after a turbulent period marked by injuries and coaching changes. Roig’s reputation for patience and technical wisdom, honed alongside Toni Nadal, appears to be the perfect antidote. Raducanu seems to be loving the new environment, highlighting the collaborative and calm nature of their work.
"There's no drama, just clarity," she explained. "We have a plan for every session, for every week. He has seen it all at the very highest level, so there's a sense of calmness he brings. I feel like I'm building my game brick by brick, which is something I needed."
This methodical approach extends to her physical conditioning, which has been a major priority after multiple surgeries sidelined her for much of 2023. The goal is clear: to develop the durability required to compete consistently on the WTA Tour.
Embracing the Underdog Role Once Again
Returning to the site of her greatest triumph, Raducanu finds herself in a familiar position: that of the potential upset-maker. No longer burdened by the weight of a title defense or a top-ranking, she is free to swing freely, a prospect that seems to invigorate her.
"There's no pressure. I'm coming in and I'm just enjoying playing. I think that's when I play my best tennis. I have a great team around me, we're doing good work, and I'm just excited to compete."
Her recent results, including a gutsy victory over former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber in Auckland and a strong push against Iga Świątek in Stuttgart, demonstrate the potential of her game when healthy. The key improvements under Roig’s tutelage include:
- Point Construction: A greater emphasis on building rallies and creating high-percentage opportunities.
- Strategic Serving: Using her serve not just to start the point, but to dictate the ensuing rally.
- Mental Resilience: Adopting a calmer, more problem-solving mindset during matches.
The Road Ahead at Flushing Meadows
The draw has placed Raducanu on a challenging path, but it’s a challenge she appears ready to meet with her new coach’s wisdom in her arsenal. The surprise lessons from Francis Roig have provided her with a new toolkit, one built on intelligence and control rather than sheer force.
As she steps back onto the hard courts of New York, the tennis world will be watching to see if this new partnership can rekindle the magic of 2021. While she may not be the favorite, Raducanu possesses the one thing that made her champion in the first place: a fearless belief that anything is possible.
"We're building something," she said, a confident smile breaking through. "It might not happen all in one tournament, but the feeling is good. I'm improving every day. And when you're improving, you're dangerous."