At the Cincinnati Open on Monday, Emma Raducanu was locked in a nail-biting match against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
The British star showed incredible fight but also found herself in the spotlight for a potential rules breach involving her new coach, Francisco Roig.
Close Match with a Narrow Defeat
Raducanu pushed Sabalenka to the limit, ultimately losing 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) in an epic third-round showdown.
It was one of her closest attempts yet to replicate the magic of her stunning 2021 US Open win, showing plenty of grit and determination throughout the encounter.
Coaching Warning on Court
However, Raducanu’s match wasn’t just about tennis.
During the game, the chair umpire warned her after she was seen receiving loud and ongoing coaching from Francisco Roig — who joined her team just last week as her eighth career coach.
The issue came to a head when Raducanu approached Roig during a changeover while leading 5-4 in the first set.
The umpire quickly reminded her that coaches must stay in their designated spots and players aren’t allowed to actively move toward them for coaching during the match.
New Coaching Rules Bring Confusion
This interaction highlighted some confusion around the new coaching rules introduced this season.
Coaching is now allowed on court but only between points and at changeovers, and it must be brief and discreet.
Unfortunately, Roig’s vocal and frequent advice didn’t fully comply with these guidelines.
Raducanu, visibly surprised, apologized and was told to relay messages to Roig only when she is at his end of the court.
Vocal Support and Tactical Advice from Roig
Throughout the match, Roig was very engaged, offering both encouragement and detailed tactical instructions, including reminders to be brave and calm.
He praised Raducanu’s improved serve and helped adjust her return position, aiming to help her build towards the upcoming US Open.
Distraction Over Crying Child Adds Drama
Adding to the tension, Raducanu asked the umpire to eject a crying child in the crowd during a crucial moment in the second set, complaining the noise had been going on for about 10 minutes and was affecting her focus.
The umpire responded sympathetically but said removing the child immediately wasn’t possible, asking her to keep playing in the meantime.
A Tough Loss in a Thrilling Tie-Break
In the end, Raducanu narrowly lost in a heartbreaking third-set tiebreak — one of Sabalenka’s many recent victories in close matches.
Despite the loss and distractions, Raducanu’s performance showed plenty of promise as she continues to develop under Roig’s guidance.