Emma Raducanu is making headlines again—but this time, it’s not about her forehand or fitness.
It’s about a new name in her coaching box. And not just any name: she’s bringing in someone with serious championship credentials.
Former Nadal Coach Joins Team Raducanu
In a move that signals she’s aiming high, Raducanu has hired Francisco Roig, the longtime coach of Rafael Nadal, to guide her through the rest of the 2025 season.
Roig isn’t just another addition to the list—he was part of the coaching team during all 22 of Nadal’s Grand Slam titles, which makes him arguably the most decorated coach Emma has ever worked with.
This makes Roig the eighth coach Raducanu has worked with in her still-young career.
But this time, the move feels different—more calculated, more ambitious, and potentially, more permanent.
Transition from Petchey to Roig
Since the Miami Open, Raducanu had been working alongside Mark Petchey, a familiar face and friend.
And while their results were encouraging, it became clear that Petchey couldn’t juggle his broadcast commitments with the demands of full-time coaching.
Even Petchey admitted last month that Emma would benefit from either bringing in a second coach or moving forward with someone else entirely.
That suggestion seems to have turned into reality—though Petchey is expected to stay involved in a more informal, behind-the-scenes role.
Behind-the-Scenes Talks Started at Wimbledon
According to sources close to Team Raducanu, discussions with Roig quietly began during Wimbledon.
The two did a short trial soon after, and although Roig wasn’t immediately available due to prior commitments, he’s now officially on board.
He’s set to arrive in Cincinnati, where he and Raducanu will begin training ahead of the WTA 1000 event—the last major tournament before the US Open.
Roig Brings Serious Experience and Technical Know-How
Francisco Roig is no stranger to high-pressure tennis.
A former player himself, he reached a career-high ranking of world No. 60, but it’s his coaching credentials that really stand out.
He was Nadal’s second coach behind uncle Toni from the very start of Rafa’s career, staying with him from 2005 to 2022.
Most recently, he coached Matteo Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, through 2023 and 2024.
Roig is widely respected for his sharp technical insights, particularly when it comes to improving players’ serve and forehand mechanics—two areas where Raducanu could use some polish.
A Shift in Strategy for Emma
This appointment also marks a noticeable shift in Raducanu’s usual approach.
In the past, she’s often surrounded herself with people she knew well and trusted deeply, sometimes prioritizing comfort over big-name experience.
But Roig isn’t from her inner circle—he’s a seasoned outsider who’s been around elite-level tennis for nearly two decades.
Whether he can win her trust remains to be seen. Raducanu is known to be selective about who she lets into her camp, but if they click, this could be a game-changing partnership.
Eyeing Momentum in Cincinnati
Raducanu is currently ranked No. 38 in the live WTA rankings and will be hoping to build some momentum in Cincinnati ahead of her return to New York.
A couple of wins there could help her lock in a seeded spot at the US Open, something that would offer her a much more favorable draw.
The main draw begins Thursday, August 7, and with Roig now by her side, all eyes will be on how quickly this new duo can find their rhythm.
