A New Era of Tennis Excellence?

In a bid to catapult her career to new heights, British tennis star Emma Raducanu has enlisted the expertise of Francisco Roig, a veteran coach with a proven track record of success, particularly with Rafael Nadal. The 22-year-old’s decision to hire Roig, who has helped Nadal win 22 Grand Slam titles, marks a significant turning point in her journey to reclaim her position among the world’s top tennis players.

Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open title as a teenage qualifier, has been working with Roig since the Cincinnati Open earlier this month. The early signs are promising, with Raducanu impressing Roig with her work ethic and dedication to improving her game. “Francis is very passionate for tennis,” said Jordi Vilaro, a close friend and business partner of Roig. “He’s always watching matches, analyzing players’ movements and technique. He’s a man who lives and breathes tennis.”

Roig’s technical expertise is unparalleled, and his ability to identify and address technical issues with players is a key factor in his success. “He has exceptional eyesight,” Vilaro added. “He can see things in a fraction of a second that other coaches might need video analysis to spot.” This unique ability has been honed over years of working with top players, including Nadal, with whom Roig developed a deep understanding of the Spaniard’s game.

Raducanu’s partnership with Roig has been months in the making. She initially worked with Roig in a covert trial following Wimbledon, and the pair’s chemistry was evident from the start. “Francis is the best coach I’ve worked with,” said Feliciano Lopez, a former Spanish number two who was coached by Roig for several years. “He’s patient, demanding, and pushes you to improve.” This assessment is echoed by Toni Nadal, who praises Roig’s ability to create a relaxed and supportive environment for his players. “Francis is a very good person, and a man you can be relaxed with,” said Toni Nadal. “He’s funny, and it’s essential to have a good character when working with someone.”

Raducanu has faced a challenging road to recovery after missing most of the 2023 season due to wrist and ankle injuries. However, with Roig on board, she’s begun to rebuild her career, reaching a WTA semi-final in Washington and the Miami and Queen’s quarter-finals. The partnership with Roig is seen as a long-term bet, with Raducanu hoping to take her game to new heights. “I can definitely improve on the quality of a lot of my shots,” Raducanu said. “I’ve been good at being creative, scrapping, playing the big points well, but the overall quality of my game needs to be better.”

While some might view the partnership as a high-risk move, Raducanu’s decision to hire Roig has been met with optimism. The two have already spent significant time together, with Roig driving Raducanu to the Cincinnati Open and the pair engaging in multiple daily practices. This level of commitment is a testament to the strong bond they’ve formed and highlights Roig’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level.

As Raducanu and Roig continue to work together, the signs suggest that this partnership could be the key to unlocking Raducanu’s full potential. With Roig’s expertise and Raducanu’s dedication, the possibilities are endless, and the tennis world is watching with bated breath to see what’s next for this promising duo.